The apple season is underway in Sweden and for the first time ever, at the start of the season this August, Hebe Frukt & Grönt AB, has been able to store apples in the warehouse at the same time as the new harvest. This is due to a combination of different factors, such as better storage techniques, more apple varieties and good weather, which has brought an early harvest. Anita Jansson said that the company already has 13 apple varieties in the warehouse this week and they are increasing by the day.
"If the weather continues as it has the last few weeks, according to our growers, we will have bigger volumes compared to last year on the back of the good weather. The season is looking promising so far, with August and September being the crucial months for the apple and pear harvest." shared Anita.
Hebe offers 42 varieties of domestic apples, many of which overlap with each other throughout the season, creating a steady supply.
Apple demand influenced by the seasons
The popularity of different varieties changes throughout the season in Sweden. The most popular variety this time of year is the Discovery (Aug-Sept). A variety like Frida, is popular during the spring. This is partly due to the apple having a long shelf-life so it is usually saved for distribution until February, when other varieties are low in stock. The newer variety Saga, which was released last year, is another variety that stores well, and Anita believes that this has the potential to become a good up and coming variety. Christmas time is synonymous with traditional varieties such as Ingrid-Marie and Cox Orange. Although they are some of the oldest varieties, demand remains strong, especially since they are late ripeners and a traditional item on the Christmas table.
"The later and newer varieties with better shelf-life and better storage techniques, have extended the Swedish apple-season. Plus, as with our strawberries, the cooler weather, with warm days and cold nights, makes for a thinner skin and more intense flavour. Since consumers here prefer domestically grown fruit, I, personally, see a growing market that will challenge imported fruits which haven't seen competition within our market before." said Anita.
Putting the Swedish apple in the spotlight
In order to help consumers make informed decisions about which varieties best suit what they are looking for, Hebe provides information about every apple, pear and plum they supply. The company also supplies supermarkets with various PR material to promote the fruit, such as recipes, pallet wrap, baskets and scarecrows.
All of the apples grown for Hebe carry the IP Swedish seal. Integrated Production (IP) is a farming system which ensures that the apples are environmentally grown, with strict standards in regard to fertilization, irrigation, pest and diseases. This means that Swedish apples are produced with less chemical pesticides than apples produced in countries such as France and New Zealand.
To cover organic demand, the Discovery variety is currently in season and will be followed by Aroma, Collina, Ingrid-Marie and Rubinola, to name a few.
"When one says Swedish apples, most people think more of cooking than eating apples, but the fact is that the range has changed over the years and now you can find excellent apples with delectable sweetness and fresh crispiness, as well as the fine old varieties with rich, tangy flavours that are just excellent for an apple pie." concludes Anita.
