Regal'You® is the new bi-color apple variety with a higher-than-average sugar level chosen by Apofruit Italia. It is harvested approximately 7-10 days earlier than Fuji, therefore around mid-September depending on the area. The red color covers around 40% of the peel. It is not a mutation, but rather a stable selection tolerant to scab.
A visit to the Marconi company in San Pietro in Vincoli (Ravenna)
On 18th September 2018, the cooperative organised a meeting in Ravenna to which over 60 producers and technicians took part.
When harvested, Regal'You apples reach 15 °Brix. Producers need to learn to wait
"We have been observing this variety for over 9 years and we can say that results are improving year after year. Grades have always been large and, when harvested, apples have a Brix degree of around 15. Productivity per hectare is high," explained Andrea Grassi, technical manager at Apofruit.
The six-year-old orchard at Marconi
"Regal'You® will be managed exclusively but not as a Club variety. "Apofruit will be the only one to manage it, although we are open to agreements, and we will establish the hectares and production areas."
A one-year-old orchard at Apli. The land has been used for apple orchards for over 40 years
The fruits have a unique taste and are perfect for consumers looking for a sweet flavor and juiciness. Those sampled during the open day were freshly harvested but technicians explained that they are even nicer after a few weeks in a refrigerated unit, after starch degradation.
Volumes won't be high, so as to be able to control the market and create expectations. Considering the sweet flavor, the markets of reference in addition to Italy will be those in the Mediterranean basin. Regal'You® apples are also suitable for exports overseas.
Andrea Grassi
The visit included companies owned by Davide Marconi, Claudio Alpi e Martino Benzoni. Plants must be grown in a 'fusetto' formation with thick rows. Pruning is essential to manage trees properly, and thinning is compulsory. Anti-hail nets are also compulsory and anti-insect ones are highly recommended.
Single-row nets at Benzoni
Fruits are harvested twice, with 60/70% of them harvested in the first picking. "The orchard can be managed mechanically for both pruning and thinning but it must be planned accordingly."
Gathering to provide information before the visit
Contacts:
Apofruit Italia
Viale della Cooperazione, 400
Cesena - Italy
Tel.: (+39) 0547 414111
Fax: (+39) 0547 414166
Web: www.apofruit.it