During Fruit Logistica 2016 Boomkwekerij Johan Nicolaï presented various new apple varieties. John Nicolaï: "Last year we supplied the first trees of the variety Gala One. This variety can be picked ten days earlier than the 'regular' Gala and is earlier than the Conference. This moves the Gala season forward."
Johan Nicolaï during Fruit Logistica 2016.
Gala One
Johan says there is mainly interest from the United Kingdom. "The Gala is very popular there and they have been looking for an earlier Gala for a while. A large amount of new Gala One trees will be planted in England this autumn again." He also expects more Belgian growers to be enthusiastic. "Many don't grow Gala in our country as this variety is picked at the same time as Conference. Now there may possibly be more demand, if the harvest isn't the same as Conference."
The other new varieties.
Zouk 17
Besides his tree nursery Johan Nicolaï also has a breeding company called Zouk. "We are just coming out with this company now, as the breeding process takes years. During the fair we presented the Zouk 16, Zouk 17, Zouk 31 and Zouk 32. The 16 and 17 are very colourful varieties. The Zouk 31 and 32 have more tolerance for scabies." Johan sees opportunities for Zouk 17. "This variety is rich in sugar, but has a slightly sour undertone. Zouk 17 I think is suitable for the Northern European market, where they enjoy a fresh taste sensation. The Zouk 17 contains a lot of vitamin C and doesn't oxidise. The responses at Fruit Logistica were very positive."
For more information:
Johan Nicolaï N.V.
Brustem industriepark
Lichtenberglaan 2050
3800 Sint-Truiden - Belgium
Tel.: (+32) 11/70 20 00
Fax.: (+32) 11/70 20 01
[email protected]
www.johan-nicolai.com
