Producers of organic apples linked to the Association of Val Venosta Fruit and Vegetable Producers (VI.P) are set to harvest around 20,000 tonnes of fruit this season grown on almost 500ha of land in the South Tyrol region of north-eastern Italy.
The anticipated crop represents a 5 per cent increase in output compared with the previous season, according to a statement published by VI.P.
This season's marketing campaign will begin in September with Royal Gala, a variety which traditionally dominates the market until the end of October.
'The range has been tailored according to the requirements of the market over the past five years,' Gerhard Eberhöfer told Fruchthandel Magazine.
Golden Delicious, which accounts for around half of the association's organic apple crop, remains the main variety on offer.
The remainder is dominated by bi-coloured varieties such as Gala, Braeburn, Pinova, Topaz and Jonagold, as well as Red Delicious.
Mr Eberhöfer also reported that average sizing would be 'considerably smaller' than last year, but as with the conventional crop aroma and keeping quality was expected to be high.
No comments yet