Poland: growers tend to top varieties of apples

Warsaw - In the past, Polish apple growers used to produce many varieties of apples. Now there is the tendency to grow less varieties but in larger quantities in order to cope with buyers requirements (both retailers and export companies look for large deliveries). But the question which apples will be in demand always remains actual. Last December, during the conference „Future of fruit growing in Poland”, Polish fruit expert professor Makosz, presented the top apples varieties, which – according to him – will be the most popular in nearest future. Apples from the first league are: ‘Golden Delicious’, ‘Gala’, Jonagolds, ‘Sampion’ and ‘Idared’. Also important will be ‘Ligol’ (Polish variety with good demand in domestic market), ‘Pinova’ and summer varieties.

In case of Jonagolds and ‘Idared’, growers are more interested in red sports which look better and though are easier to sell on Russian market. The most important sports of Jonagold are ‘Jonagold Decosta’ and ‘Jonagored’. ‘Idared’ apples are relatively cheaper, but larger crops and pretty steady demand (from Russia, other East European countries, and even from Germany) can compensate lower returns. Polish red sport of ‘Idared’, called Najdared® can be specially attractive for traders. Polish growers are also interested in summer varieties, with ‘Ambassy’ and ‘Celeste’ considered the most promising. According to representatives of Polish fruit nurseries, apple producers are also looking for ‘Mutsu’, ‘Golden Deliciuos Reinders’ and ‘Alwa’. Popularity of ‘Fuji’ – still relatively new in Polish orchards – is also growing.

Publication date: January 30 2007
Author: FreshPlaza correspondent Poland
Copyright: www.freshplaza.com