Two Dutch companies, Fresh Forward and FruitMasters, signed the licensing agreement for the Wurtwinning apple variety during Fruit Logistica. That means FruitMasters acquires the variety's production and sales rights.
Wurtwinning is a Fresh Forward breeding program variety. "Independent consumer surveys rate the apple highly for its crispness, juiciness, freshness, and sweet aroma. Alongside excellent flavor characteristics, it's also a robust variety. In fact, it's scab resistant and only very slightly susceptible to mildew," says a company spokesperson.
Fresh Forward's general director Teunis Sikma and Adriaan Vis, commercial director at FruitMasters, signing the licensing deal at Fruit Logistica 2023.
On the way to 2030
This addition to FruitMasters' variety portfolio sets the cooperative on a clear course toward more sustainable fruit cultivation. Adriaan Vis explains: "Given the European Green Deal and Future Vision Crop Protection 2030, it's essential to focus on robust apple varieties."
"Our growers are also looking for medium-late varieties. Wurtwinning meets these requirements because of its resistant properties, the same picking window as Jonagold - mid to late September - and, of course, good taste test results. We're already seeing plenty of demand from our members."
First crop
Several FruitMasters growers have already planted the variety. The first small-scale crop is expected next season and will be marketed as a closed retail concept. In the coming years, cultivation will be optimized, and plantings expanded.
For more information:
FruitMasters
7 Deilseweg
4191 NX, Geldermalsen, NL
Tel: +31 (0) 345 578 800
Email: info@fruitmasters.com
Website: www.fruitmasters.com
Fresh Forward Marketing & Breeding
1c Hogewoerd
6851 ET, Huissen, NL
Tel: +31 (0) 263 886 448
Email: info@fresh-forward.nl
Website: www.fresh-forward.nl