Pink Lady

This year's European Pink Lady apple crop is expected to reach 100,000 tonnes for thefirst time this season, according to a report on freshinfo.com, the website of the Fresh Produce Journal.

The premium apple is grown in South Tyrol in Italy, Catalonia in Spain and France – the primary source of Pink Lady apples.

The first new-season French product was reportedly packed towards the start of November, with quality across the main European production areas in Italy, Spain and France said to be “excellent”.

MélanieBordet, product co-ordinator at Pink Lady Europe, told freshinfo:“There has been no frost affecting crops this year and the differencein temperature has been perfect for growing Pink Lady.

“Pink Ladyvolumes are always increasing as we have some young orchards that arebeginning to produce each year. We are hoping for 100,000t, as has beenpredicted.”

The total European Cripps Pink crop could be as high as 140,000 tonnes, of which some 75 per cent will be branded as Pink Lady.