The Gala apples of the Hautes-Alpes and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence departments are currently being harvested. It is the earliest variety to be harvested, preceding the Golden apples, which will start at the end of this week and accelerate around the 16th of September. "The apple orchards of the Alpes de Haute-Durance represent 95 hectares of Gala and 1,250 hectares of Golden. This is a production area with a strong identity due to its high altitude terroir, which has earned it two labels: PGI and Red Label (for Golden apples only). Today, apples from our high-altitude terroirs have a definite appeal, and we hope that this will continue. The Red Label, which has an excellent reputation, is a real plus in terms of promoting our Golden apples. As for the PGI, we need to continue working to raise its profile and promote the apples that benefit from it," explains Cédric Massot, a Golden apple grower in the Alpes de Haute-Durance.
"Higher" volumes than last year and "good taste"
At this stage of the harvest, the grower is satisfied with the quality. "Although the sizes are not very large in some orchards, the quality of the Gala is really good this year. As for the Golden, the quality is also good and we already know that the volumes will be slightly higher than last year. We should reach 70% of our harvest potential, which is very good, given that we have not reached full potential for several years. However, we must not forget that this is a general trend, as some producers have suffered greatly from the frost, losing their entire crop. But overall, the harvest potential will be fairly good, along with the taste quality. We are now hoping that the weather will be favorable, without too much rain, so that the harvest can take place in the best possible conditions."
The season looks promising
In terms of marketing, although the start of the campaign has not been as easy as last year, Cédric Massot remains confident about the months to come. "The Gala has gotten off to a slow start, with fairly high prices on both the French and international markets. But the lines are opening up in supermarkets and there is a certain amount of anticipation for the new Golden harvest. On the wholesale market, the market was slow after the holidays but it is beginning to pick up. Taking into account the announced national volume of 1.4 million tons and a European harvest that will not be over-abundant, the market should not suffer from oversupply and should manage to find its balance. The season therefore looks rather promising."
For more information:
Cédric Massot
Pommes des Alpes de Haute-Durance
[email protected]