The SwingBio apple has been on the market for 4 years. The current context is particularly difficult for the organic sector, but the new two-tone apple continues to gain market shares. “The tonnage sold this year is estimated at 2,500 tons and the sales rate is growing despite a complicated and very competitive market. In other words, we are following the same sales rhythm as last year but with a 65% increase in volume,” explains Baptiste Geoffray, innovation and new market manager at Mylord.
A need to be very competitive on the organic market
The company has high hopes for this organic apple because of its many advantages both in terms of production and taste. “Despite the difficult context, producers have observed the good potential of the variety. It is resistant to scab and aphids, among other things, and it gives a good yield in organic production. The fruit are sweet, with great organoleptic qualities. Moreover, the apples are still keeping well in the second part of the season, which is essential for us. SwingBio is a tasty variety that maintains all its organoleptic characteristics, even in the second half of the season. These qualities are important because despite the difficult times for the organic market, distributors are developing their organic section and especially the apple section. It is therefore essential to promote very tasty organic varieties, including the SwingBio.”
Beyond organic with Bee Friendly and Beeguard
The SwingBio also makes additional promises that go beyond organic
farming, with the Beeguard project, to help producers measure the impact of their agricultural practices on biodiversity through the observation of bee activity.
“The variety is certified Bee Friendly, a label that is not very common yet, even in organic farming. All SwingBio orchards in France are equipped and follow-ups are carried out by entomologists. At this year’s Agricultural Show in Paris, we organized a round table with our partners to explain the usefulness of pollinators in orchards and to present the first results of the measurements of bee activity throughout last year’s vegetative cycle. These results are really interesting, as they allow us to make the link between the environment and the state of the hives. This has helped us validate our actions. Another positive point is that when we have a deficit (when the hives lose weight), we are now able to act quickly.”
Appreciated commitment
The event was a great success. Mylord has received very positive feedback. “We really got great feedback from the participants of the round table, who included professionals from the retail sector, chambers of agriculture as well as the general public. They all seemed to be very interested in our approach. In total, at least 50 people came for the occasion. We feel that the strong commitment of the French producers of SwingBio is truly appreciated.”
For more information:
Baptiste Geoffray
Phone: +33 6 42 76 89 20
www.swing.bio