Very positive and dynamic season for Blue Whale® apples in Spain
Blue Whale® reports “a very positive and dynamic” first half to the apple season for its overseas and southern European markets, particularly in Spain. “While in France and the northern countries, strong local production has set the pace, export markets have given us endless joy,” said Marc Peyres, commercial director of the company. “Right now, the apple stocks available for this second half of the campaign are lower in Europe than last year.”
“We are focusing heavily on promoting our new varieties: Envy, and, in particular, Candine. This is turning out to be a winning formula, since both varieties are having an excellent reception among Spanish consumers, and they are allowing us to enter new sales channels,” said Christelle Bertin, marketing director of Blue Whale.
Close work with distribution, both wholesale and retail, is the hallmark of the French cooperative, which advocates searching for joint solutions in the current context of rising production costs. “Collaborating to review purchasing rates, as has been done in other sectors, or by working together to reduce common costs, can guarantee the sustainability of our farms,” said Bertin.
Innovation and sustainable performance
Blue Whale® continues to take steps to ensure sustainability (economic, environmental and social) in its orchards. Biocontrol for natural pest management, regenerative agriculture or the use of new technologies such as cartography, robotics or resource optimisation applications are some of its lines of work in this regard.
“The management of resources, particularly water, as well as the reduction of chemical inputs, are among our main concerns,” said Bertin. “We work together with our engineers and field technicians both in varietal development and in the implementation of our strategies.”
This innovation strategy includes the active participation of Blue Whale® in key projects for the sector, such as Green GO. This European-wide project analyses the life cycle of the apple from the orchard to the table and aims to achieve carbon neutrality in the sector by 2025.
Appointment with large retailers: Fruit Logistica 2023
The French company will attend the international fair for the fruit and vegetable sector, Fruit Logistica, in Berlin. From February 8 to 10, professional visitors will be able to visit its 120m2 stand located in Hall 22 – F44. Undoubtedly, a good opportunity to discover its varietal innovations, seek specific solutions and strengthen business relationships.
