In the orchards of Apfelino in Welsland, Upper Austria, there is a lot of activity at this point in time: apart from the main apple harvest, tons of kiwi berries and autumn raspberries are also being picked. The latter product category has rapidly gained in importance in recent years, says managing director Gerhard Schiefermüller in an interview.
The berry harvest looks so good this year because frost candles were used during three nights and the berries have been covered during the first cold nights.
Pome fruit: High loss of apples, good pear harvest
After the early apple harvest is completed, the main varieties are currently being picked, but the yield this year is quite disappointing. "We expect loss rates of 75 percent due to the spring frost. Only the Gala has survived the late frost to some extent," explains Schiefermüller.
Harvest helpers picking berries
The harvest forecast for pears, however, shows a completely different picture. "We cultivate mainly three varieties, namely Williams, Kaiser Alexander and Xenia, and the yields so far have been very satisfactory in terms of both quality and quantity."
A look at the protected soft fruit plantation
Kiwi berries: Pleasing growth rates
In conjunction with the ongoing pome fruit harvest, early kiwi berries were picked in week 38 as well. "From this week on we will harvest the later varieties, there will be, as expected, a little more failure here. Demand on the Austrian market is tending to rise and there is further marketing potential. But we are still looking for the perfect variety for our cultivation conditions."
Kiwi berries ripe for picking on the tree: "We are still looking for the perfect variety for cultivation in Upper Austria."
Raspberries: Complete marketing window until November
Apfelino produces soft fruits for the regional market on a total of 5 hectares. In addition to the smaller soft fruit crops with currants, prickly pears and blackberries, the company mainly produces kiwi and raspberries. "In the case of raspberries, we have now reached the harvest of the autumn varieties. Thanks to the minimal frost damage and the conscious choice of robust varieties, this year for the first time we will be able to supply continuous quantities from the end of June to November without any supply gaps."
In addition to fresh nectarines, next year we will also be able to harvest regional peaches for further processing for the first time.
Regionalism is a trend
According to Schiefermüller, regional products are obviously in line with the trend among Austrian consumers. This trend can be observed both on the fresh market and for processed fruit. "Our B-quality raspberries, for example, are marketed pasteurised in 1kg bags via our farm shop. This as a regional, sustainable alternative to imported goods from Eastern Europe."
Fruit duos: A brand new product line from Apfelino
New in the field of refined fruit products are the fruit duos as of this year: in the upper part of the jar there are grated apples and in the lower part the strained blueberries / raspberries / kiwi berries or peaches. "Most Austrian food retail chains have already listed this product line and the feedback so far has been particularly positive."
For more information:
Apfelino KG
Ing. Gerhard Schiefermüller
In der Haberfelden 1
4613 Mistelbach/Wels
Tel.: 07242/28221
Fax: 07242/210172
gerhard@apfelino.at
www.apfelino.at