VOG slices up apple market

Apple slices made from product grown in the South Tyrol region will be launched this month by VOG Products, a fruit processing company owned by the Association of South Tyrolean Fruit Growers’ Co-operatives (VOG) and Vinschgau Valley Producers (VIP).

The pre-packed apple slices, which will contain added vitamin C and ascorbic acid to prevent the flesh turning brown, were showcased at the Interpoma show.

The brightly-coloured packaging features fruit-based cartoon characters and will be available in snack-sized format.

Dr Michael Grasser, VIP marketing manager, said: “We have seen that there is a big market for prepared apple slices in the US and the UK, and we don’t want to lose out on this. We know we have to follow the convenience train.”

The product will be sold on the export market in 2007.