First Italian Royal Gala picked

The first Italian Royal Gala of the season was picked on August 12 by VOG-affiliated producers in the South Tyrol.

Harvest therefore began a week later than last year, when an unusually early harvest was recorded.

Royal Gala is grown for VOG by growers in the valleys between Merano and Salorno, in the sun-kissed orchards between the Adige and Passirio rivers.As with the other 11 varieties produced by VOG suppliers, Royal Gala has been awarded South Tyrol Apple PGI certification.

Royal Gala represents 19 per cent of the 592,000 tonnes of apples that will be harvested this season by VOG Association members.

Based in Terlano, VOG is the main Italian packer of apples certified with the South Tyrol Apple PGI designation, as well as the largest producer of the Royal Gala variety in the region.