"Non-browning apple? We've had it for 10 years!"

This year, the Arctic Apple, known for its non-browning quality, got a lot of attention. Since February, cultivation of this GMO apple in the US is allowed. The fact that the apple doesn't discolour seems new, but according to Urs Luder, CEO of Greenstar Kanzi Europe, that's not at all the case. "We've had the Greenstar apple for ten years now. And this one isn't genetically modified, the flesh just retains its natural white colour."

Why GMO?
He is firm in his point of view. "Why would we introduce GMO apples that don't brown after cutting, when we already have apples with this quality? We believed we had to communicate this, because after the introduction of the Arctic, some markets even started asking if the Greenstar is also genetically modified. That's not at all the case. One of the most important qualities of the Greenstar is that the flesh stays perfectly white for 24 to 48 hours after cutting. That's our trump card, causing many consumers and chefs to prefer this variety. The Greenstar can be used as a snack in the lunch box, for instance. The apple can be sliced at home already in that case. Chefs also love to use Greenstar for fresh fruit salads, garnishes and for decoration."

GKE grows and supplies Greenstar worldwide. Urs: "The variety is a natural cross between Granny Smith and Delbar Estival. The right characteristics of the 'parents' give Greenstar a high amount of vitamin C. That's the main reason why the flesh doesn't discolour. It's all natural, a gift from mother nature," Urs says. "It's also a tasty, sweet and very juicy apple: a real thirst quencher. Not only suitable for processing, but also for fresh consumption."

Conventional and organic
Greenstar is produced by conventional and organic growers in Europe in countries like Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, in Australia and the US. The apple is supplied to the higher segment for industry, and sold in supermarkets or at greengrocers. "Greenstar is a niche product, mainly known to insiders. Before the boycott, a lot of this variety went to Russia. In countries where the apples are produced, they're often also consumed. Except in Belgium, where the biggest volume is exported."

Niche, but growing
In Europe, Greenstar has an acreage of around 200 hectares. In Australia, that's around 60 hectares, and as of this year it's also grown in America. "It's a real niche market, but the production is still increasing," Luder says. "In future, we also expect growing demand from the fresh market. In certain countries, the bio Greenstar is also grown. That number is still relatively small, but we're seeing a growing interest. For the grower, it's also a great apple to produce. Greenstar gives a large volume and is relatively easy to grow."

For more information:
Urs T. Luder
GKE NV
Tongersesteenweg 152
B- 3800 Sint-Truiden
Tel: +32 116 706 11
Fax: +32 116 727 76
www.kanziapple.com