keeping with demand for buying local and being local in Germany, most of the business for German fruit and vegetable producer Krings, stays in the domestic market. Krings is a family owned company who grows and deals in a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables, with apples making up a big portion of their business. The company has its own apple production on around 150 hectares, but also has exclusive contracts with other growers to ensure that there is enough supply to serve the market. Alexander Krings said that, although they are a commercial company, they have a very close relationship with their growers, acting a bit like a cooperative.
"Our different customers all have their own concerns and requirements for MRL's, which is why it is important to us that we support our growers and make sure that they are up to standards in terms of certification and food safety.
Gala, Elstar, Braeburn and Jonagold are the biggest varieties in Germany, but they also produce other varieties, with just over 20 different varieties in their portfolio. Krings, together with partners in Italy and Belgium, are currently working on a new club variety to add to their offering which is currently being referred to as Apple 60. They plan on introducing the variety next year and once on the market, they will be the only company in Germany licensed to sell the variety. The new name is yet to be announced.
Club varieties available on the market today tend to be early varieties and are similar to the Gala. Alexander said that what makes Apple 60 different is that it has its connections to Jonagold. It is a later variety which does well in storage, enabling the apple to be sold well during the summer months.
"The flavour is very fruity and has around 70-80% red colouring, the rest being light red to yellow. We are going to see how the apple does once it arrives on the market, and after that we will plan production accordingly. We would need to have customer feedback before we know for sure," said Alexander.
"German consumers are tired of everything being completely red and are ready for something with a different flavour. Customers don't really know all of the different varieties any more and are heavily influenced by marketing, in terms of packaging etc. The flavour needs to be different and the Apple 60 fills this demand perfectly. It has an exotic taste, reminiscent of mango, which helps it stand out. It is also a firm apple, similar to Braeburn. It has a longer storage life which means it not only maintains its quality level in the store, but also once customer's bring it home."
For
more information:Alexander Krings
Krings
Tel: +49 2226 92 65 42
Email: ak@w-krings.de
www.w-krings.de