The intensive, many years long research onto the apples of the future from the Alte Land region resulted in the "Deichperle" apple about two years ago. The scab-resistant cross between Topaz and Dalinbel was bred by the Niederelbe ZIN breeding initiative in cooperation with the Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences. It was aimed specifically at regional cultivation in the Alte Land.
"Currently, the organic cultivation area for the Deichperle P17 variety amounts to 14 ha. The fruit producers are open to the variety, so the area under cultivation will increase even more in the coming years," predicts Jörn Rolker, managing director of the Jork-based company of the same name and one of two exclusive marketing partners.
At the moment, the organic Deichperle is available at REWE Nord in two variants, namely as a stickered product in 6.5-kg crates and in 4-pack Blitzmatik packaging. Other customers have already expressed interest, so the variety could soon be available in other regions, Rolker continues. "Due to limited volumes, the Deichperle is expected to be available in stores until Easter during the current marketing season."
Birger Exner, Managing Director Jörn Rolker and Wiebke Meyer-Huppertz at this year's Biofach in Nuremberg.
Unique concept with high recognition value
Similar to the conventional sector, the Deichperle is also offered in the organic market under the same brand. This was a conscious decision, says Rolker: "This gives consumers a choice between organically and conventionally produced Deichperle apples, and thus the recognition value is higher. The purchase of trees of the Deichperle variety and the associated cultivation is open to all members of the ZIN. It is not the variety per se, but the cultivation initiative as a whole that represents a club concept, which again is a significant difference from the well-known club concepts."
Organic Deichperle in 4-pack Blitzmatik packaging and in a 6.5-kg Ifco crate
Organic food sales fell 4.1% from 2021 to 2022, to a total of €15 billion. According to Rolker, however, the regionally produced organic apple still has its raison d'être. "Fluctuations in demand have occurred time and again in the past, without organic products being in danger. Within the last ten years, organic food sales have more than doubled. In this respect, the organic apple market generally is different from the organic market, where sales shifts to other fruits can be observed." The extent to which these developments will affect the marketing of the Deichperle is difficult to assess due to the current low cultivation volumes, the report adds.
Double harvest expected for organic cherries
Alongside Deichperle, the Natyra was one of this year's trade show highlights for Rolker Ökofrucht during Biofach in Nuremberg. Due to its balanced sweetness to acid ratio, the variety is clearly becoming more important for organic consumers. "In addition to this, the topic of organic cherries is on the agenda. We expect harvest volumes in the Alte Land to double in the next two years," Rolker concludes.
Images: Rolker Ökofrucht GmbH
For more information::
Jörn Rolker
Rolker Ökofrucht GmbH
Osterladekop 5
21635 Jork
Tel.: +49 4162 91389 162
Fax: +49 4162 91389 18
Email: info@rolker.com
www.rolker.com