With the Jazz apple season in full swing, this year's French harvest totaled 15,570 tonnes of marketable apples—a decline of 8% compared to the previous year. This drop is attributed to unfavorable autumn weather conditions. "As Jazz is a late-season variety, it suffered from a lack of sunshine in September and October, which impacted yields," explains Romain Chapelet, Sales Director at Pom'Evasion, one of the five marketers in the Jazz Producers Association, Fruitenz.
A growing European orchard
Jazz apples are cultivated across a European production area of 1,370 hectares, with France as the leading producer of this distinctive two-tone variety. "France accounts for 655 hectares of orchards, yielding approximately 20,000 tonnes," reports Louise de la Brosse, Marketing Manager at Pom'Evasion. The European orchard continues to expand, driven by new plantings in Italy and England. However, French producers are approaching expansion with careful consideration. "Italy and England each plan to plant an additional 60 hectares over the next five years. In France, the challenge lies in selecting the right rootstock to boost productivity. As with any variety, achieving optimal yields remains critical to the success and development of French orchards," adds Louise.
A variety with "all the advantages"
Despite being a challenging variety to grow—particularly under the pressures of climate change—Jazz apples are packed with advantages. "Jazz is a high-end apple that complements other bicolor varieties. It is exceptionally tasty, boasts outstanding shelf life, and allows us to extend the season from mid-October to the end of July," explains Chapelet.
Jazz apples' exceptional keeping quality reduces the need for imports, making them an ideal market fit. "Sorting differences are minimal, and the fruit consistently maintains high visual and taste quality. It's an apple that performs well on the shelf, and every in-store tasting receives top marks. It's often said: 'Once you try it, you love it.'"
The apple's durability, appealing size, and excellent market reputation—bolstered by the Jazz Club and its dynamic media campaigns over the past 11 years—make it popular across diverse markets. Currently, 70% of French Jazz apples are exported, with key markets including the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands, while only 30% are sold domestically.
1 Million apples donated for Restos du Cœur's 40th anniversary
This year, Jazz producers are joining forces with Restos du Cœur to celebrate the charity's 40th anniversary. The 80 French Jazz apple growers have committed to donating 1 million apples by the end of the campaign. Retailers and consumers also play a role in this initiative: "For every 2 kg of apples purchased, one apple is donated to the charity," explains de la Brosse. "It's a win-win solution that allows consumers to contribute to this meaningful cause without impacting their purchasing power."
To further support the initiative, consumers can scan the QR code on Jazz apple trays, follow Jazz social media channels, or visit this website to monitor the donation counter and participate in the campaign.
For more information:
Margaux Rouy
Marketing Project Manager
SAS Fruitenz