The apple with the pinkish hue, the Evelina, is doing remarkably well, according to David Bamps of D&G Fruit, exclusive distributor of the Evelina in the Benelux and England. “The acreage has been expanded by 10 ha and at the moment has 90 ha in Belgium and Holland.” D&G Fruit expects a positive season, starting early October.
Bamps is reasonably upbeat about the past season: “It was a rather difficult year, with damage from hailstorms. But sales were good. Output was 1.2 kilos, this year it’s an estimated 1.8 kilos.”
The Evelina is a fruit with 60-70% red skin, with a sweet taste and an attractive yellow base colour. “Last August,” Bamps goes on to say, “we visited our growers and the apples are looking good. We think harvest may actually start two week earlier.”
The apples are promoted through tastings in supermarkets. At Tesco, we fall in the top category, that’s why the price is slightly higher. But because we are the only ones to provide the apple, we have no reason to lower the price.”
According to Bamps, the future will see a gradual climb. “Our goal is to be up at 4 million kilos in three years.”