Gala varieties make waves in South Africa

Much has been written about Flash Gala, the South Africa-developed full-red variety that has elevated the Gala category to the top of the table in the country.

Flash Gala is selected from Bigbucks, the cultivar name of the new variety, and is packed according to special standards that ensure uniformity of quality and maturity.

However, not as much has been made of its cousin, Bingo Gala, which was discovered in an entirely different growing region.

This variety also enjoys the characteristic of not reverting back to the colour of traditional Galas after a few years of production.

Bingo Gala was discovered by veteran apple grower Jannie Wiegman in his nursery in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, near Hermanus in the Southern Cape.

This year, apart from steady growth in production in South Africa, Bingo Gala has also been planted in India.

It is described as a South African cherry red Gala mutation, and this year was again well-received as part of the high-colour red Royal Gala offering for Asian markets.

Its early harvest capability, achieved in just one or two picks, allows growers to serve customers sooner.

TopFruit manages the variety on behalf of the owner in South Africa, while also holding the rights to establish it in other countries, including India.

Seven Star is the licensed company in India responsible for propagating and distributing the trees to Indian growers.

“We believe Bingo Gala will be well received by Indian growers and Indian consumers,” said TopFruit.

Exporter Fruitways is one South African company that has planted Bingo Gala, with CEO Hein Keulder expecting the apple to show its value in Asia in particular.

On the other side of the coin, Flash Gala achieved a major milestone this season with 1mn cartons exported for the first time.

Comprehensive market development plans are in place for the future and growers are working together in the Bigbucks Grower Association to promote the variety.