Swiss fruit and vegetable producers took to the stands at Fruit Logistica to promote their new quality standard Suisse Garantie.

The scheme was officially introduced in Switzerland in the autumn of 2004 and certifies that fruit and vegetables from Switzerland, in both fresh and processed form, are integrated in a comprehensive quality assurance and monitoring system.

It also ensures complete traceability of the products. “This provides buyers with the maximum possible guarantees regarding the origin and safety of products bearing the Suisse Garantie symbol,” said a spokesman.

It also promotes good environmental practices and guarantees the fruit is free of any genetic modification.

Around 135,000 tonnes of Swiss dessert apples were harvested last autumn, according to Bernadette Galliker, director of marketing and advertising for the Swiss Fruit Federation.

The harvest included many varieties that have been bred domestically, such as Rubinette, which regularly wins taste tests, according to Galliker.

Other special Swiss apple varieties include Maigold, Mairac and the recently introduced Diwa. This is a firm, crisp and juicy apple, with a sweet but slightly sharp taste and suitable for extended storage. “Under the brand name of Junami the Diwa variety is making quite a name for itself internationally,” she said.

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