For now, the range includes 5 varieties: Cyrano, Fuego, Cheyenne, Totem and HB278-104, which cover a harvesting period from early May to late June for producing areas of the Mediterranean, such as Spain, Italy and France.
"After several years of hybridizations and field tests, we have obtained 100% red apricots, very visually appealing and flavourful. Their Brix amounts to between 12 and 15 degrees," explains Stéphane Buffat, manager of PSB Plant Production.
According to the breeder, in addition to its organoleptic qualities, one of its main advantages is the low volume of discarded fruit. "The skin of these apricots is firm and resistant to damage during handling."
Given that it is a totally new concept in the market, distribution chains are already selling it at higher prices than yellow and orange apricots. "The producers and marketers who are choosing to work with these varieties will be able to obtain more interesting margins, and this is precisely the main reason that has motivated us to develop this new range."
PSB breeds, produces and markets its own stonefruit. "As producers and marketers, we are familiar with what the industry needs or what could be interesting. Contrary to what some other companies like ours do, we do not keep our own varieties for our exclusive marketing. We believe that with a greater number of producers growing and marketing them, we can also be stronger."
The first variety in the range to be harvested is the Totem, from 15 to 20 May, followed by the Fuego, from 10 June, and 5 days later by the Cheyenne (18 degrees Brix) and the Cyrano, between 15 and 20 June.
The last of the varieties obtained, which does not have a commercial name yet, is the HB278-104, which is self-fertile. Its harvest kicks off in late June and, for now, remains the latest variety of the range.
PSB is developing a full range which should cover the entire harvesting period (between July and August) in the coming years.
