The very first Mirabelles de Lorraine PGI for the 2023 campaign hit the market on August 10. They will remain available for 6 weeks. This is a slightly earlier year than 2022, which was unusually early, but the harvest is still ten days earlier than the historical average: "We're waiting for all the PGI quality criteria to be met before we start harvesting. These criteria include color, size and sugar content," explains Quentin Hoffmann, President of the Mirabelles de Lorraine organization.
High-quality Mirabelles de Lorraine expected for the 2023 campaign
The start of the campaign is shaping up rather nicely in terms of quality, thanks to the good weather: "So far, we've been rather lucky. We haven't really had any weather-related problems. There was enough water in spring, followed by dry, sunny weather, which was perfect for fruit development. Mirabelle plum production requires little water in summer, thanks to the characteristics of the clay-limestone soil, which retains water and is less dependent on rainfall or irrigation. This is a major advantage given current climatic conditions. Even so, we're looking at an average harvest potential of 5,000 tonnes, i.e. 60% of an ideal crop. A more reasonable volume, directly linked to the phenomenon of rotation of the trees, but which will have a positive impact on the quality of the fruit, expected to reach a fine size of at least 22mm and an excellent taste".
A "treat", not subject to the ups and downs of the market
The collective is confident about this year's sales campaign: "We're pretty optimistic, as the Mirabelle de Lorraine remains a treat that is eagerly awaited by the French every year. We like to say that we're never on the shopping list, but we're there to please the consumer. As a result, we are less subject to the ups and downs of the market.
The collective's long history: one of the keys to the success of Mirabelle de Lorraine
The fact that Mirabelle de Lorraine PGI is renowned throughout France is due in part to the work of the collective, which has been promoting this regional stone fruit since 1996: "Our collective is one of the keys to our success. We consist of 200 growers who have been working together for years, guaranteeing consistent quality thanks to the PGI certification, so that consumers are never disappointed. Also, as Mirabelle de Lorraine is a very specific product that can be consumed both as a table fruit (1/3 of the fruit) and processed (2/3 of the fruit), we have always made sure that these two markets are balanced so that we never run out of markets for our production. We were the first fruit in France to be awarded the PGI label, and the collective's track record and experience are essential assets for the organization of our industry and for promoting Mirabelle de Lorraine.
Increasing surface area
While Mirabelle de Lorraine orchards have undergone a high rate of renewal in recent years, the surface area is now expanding: "The orchards cover an area of around 1,000 ha. Many old orchards, around 40 years old, have recently been renewed, and we're now entering a phase of expansion, with young growers joining us and looking to develop their business". The industry is therefore getting younger, with 60% of growers under the age of 40.
Over 1,500 seasonal workers are expected this year
An unmissable event for the region, both culturally and economically, harvesting brings together many enthusiasts. More than 1,500 seasonal workers, mainly locals, and students, are expected to lend a hand to the organization's 200 growers to pick the expected 5,000 tons of mirabelle plums from the 400,000 trees.
A Lorraine pastry chef for ambassador
Very attached to his Lorraine origins, Jean-François Feuillette is proud to once again represent the PGI Les Mirabelles de Lorraine. A key figure in the region, and a lover of this fruit steeped in gourmet memories, the pastry chef is keen to defend its heritage by highlighting the richness of Lorraine.
For more information:
Quentin Hoffmann
Association Mirabelles de Lorraine