The season for Redlove apples has started again. “Volume has grown. Last year, we had approximately 50 tonnes, and that has doubled by now. The flavour is excellent, we have never had them this good before,” Jacco Merkens says enthusiastically.
He is the only one in the Netherlands to produce and market this variety. He is slightly less positive about the cultivation. “It is still very difficult, and we still have many hurdles to jump. The biggest challenge is still in cooling. The storage process is difficult because of two characteristics: the high level of antioxidants, and the fact that the flesh is red. We are still researching the best manner of storing this apple.”
Positive cooperation with Schulp
Part of the Redlove apples is processed into juice by Schulp. “The cooperation with Schulp is very pleasant,” Merkens says. “The Redlove juice is well-received on the market. That is very positive during this difficult period for fruit cultivation. It is very good that so many people and companies give us the opportunity to bring attention to Redlove in a positive manner.”
Redlove deserves a place on the market
If Merkens had known everything beforehand, he might not have started the cultivation of Redlove. “To be honest, it is almost impossible for a fruit cultivator to market a new strain. It really does take a lot of time, which we underestimated. Of course, we also have many other strains we have to focus on.” Yet he is pleased they have come this far. “When I now look at how Redlove is developing, I am convinced the strain deserves a place on the market. We are very curious to see how the season will develop, but it cannot go wrong because of the apple’s flavour.”
Switching to organic
For the coming period, focus for Redlove will be on both the fresh market and juices. “We do have some idea for new products, but we first want to expand on the current markets, and to make these successful. Additionally, we are grubbing up our popular strains, Elstar and Conference, and partially switching to organic. I am doing this because I am increasingly convinced that there is no place for young cultivators with plenty of financing in this sector anymore, with these politics and in this country. We have transferred all knowledge abroad, and we are now paying for that. That is why it is time for a new focus: organic.” For more information:
Jacco Merkens
Molenspoor 3
3985 SH Werkhoven