“Our harvest potential is 5,000 tons”

Blue Whale is primarily known for its apple production, but the expertise of its growers, mainly based in the southwest of France, extends to plum production, with a potential harvest of 5,000 tons.

For 10 years, Blue Whale has been developing its plum orchards to offer a selection of approximately 10 taste varieties, including the Métis range, which is the result of a cross between a plum and an apricot. "Our Metis campaign kicks off in August with our Oxy Solar range (fruit with red skin and flesh) and Sunny Day (yellow) with an exceptional taste: a 100% novelty from southwestern France! The Sunset Sky closes the season with a fine sugar-acidity balance," explains Claire Fayan, plum sector manager at Blue Whale. The complete plum range is marketed from mid-July to November.

Flowering started at the end of February this year, 10 days ahead of schedule, and the orchards are currently in full fruit development. The 2024 potential for the full range can be established at the beginning of May.

In the meantime, plum meetings will be held at MedFEL on April 24th, 2024. Supermarket clients will be invited, as well as professionals of the sector who are keen to find out about developments in the French plum producers' association and about the future campaign.