Josep Maria Font – Page 2

Fuji, a crunchy and juicy autumn apple

The Fuji apple is a variety originating from Japan, and since its discovery, it has been gaining popularity to become one of the most produced and consumed apples everywhere thanks to its organoleptic qualities, i.e. properties that can be perceived by the sense organs.

Fuji is a light red apple on a green-yellow background that stands out for its crunchy and juicy texture. These intrinsic characteristics make it very attractive and appetizing. Its dense and aromatic cream-colored flesh and very sweet flavor, taste characteristics that satisfy most people who eat it. It is harvested during the month of October and can be found until the end of June.

Preferably, it is best consumed fresh, but it is also widely used for baking. It is the perfect choice for inclusion in countless culinary creations thanks to its natural sweetness. Its firmness and ability to maintain its shape during cooking make it ideal for baking, as it does not fall apart easily. In addition, its juiciness adds moisture and flavor to baked goods, such as cakes and muffins.

It provides a large amount of fiber that helps the digestive system to function properly. It is rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin C, which strengthen the immune system, and is low in calories and saturated fats. A natural and healthy option to maintain a balanced and nutritious diet.

A tasty, succulent and very pleasant apple, a pleasure for the palate of many consumers.

Giropoma’s mission is to offer healthy and high-quality apples, always following the values that define our company: the defense of the territory and the rural environment, respect for the environment, proximity, commitment and commitment to people. In addition to Fuji, we produce and market 7 other varieties of apples, which you can discover on our website: Golden, Granny Smith, Pink Lady® (Cripps Pink variety), Red Delicious, Royal Gala, Candine® (Regalyou variety) and Joya® (Cripps Red variety).

One more year, Giropoma joins the solidarity initiative of the Gala Pro Baix Ter, which will take place on May 26th

For the fourth consecutive year, Giropoma, together with the Espai Ter Theater Auditorium, collaborates in the organization of the IV Gala Pro Baix Ter 2024, the solidarity initiative that aims to support organizations that are actively working to improve both the quality of life of people and the landscape in the Baix Ter area.

This fourth edition will be held on Sunday May 26 at the Auditorium Theatre Espai Ter (Torroella de Montgrí). It will be dedicated again to collect funds for the Associations of Families of Students of the 7 nursery and primary schools in the Baix Ter.

The beneficiary schools will be again those of Guillem de Montgrí and San Gabriel de Torroella de Montgrí, Portitxol del Estartit, Puig Redondo de Ullà, El Rajaret de Bellcaire d’Empordà, La Rama de Albons and Francesc Cambó de Verges, which will receive the proceeds to carry out improvement projects in their school environments.

The event will start at 17:00 h with the II Festival of the AFA of Baix Ter, an open day where each school will conduct various workshops and outdoor activities in front of the auditorium. There will also be the opportunity to collaborate by buying apples Giropoma solidarity.

From 6:30 pm, the celebration will continue indoors with the show by Dàmaris Gelabert, with her farewell tour after 25 years on stage, accompanied by The Grow Up Singing Band and a group of young dancers. A review of her extensive career and a reunion with fans who have grown up listening and singing her songs, as well as those who have recently begun to enjoy them. All this accompanied by The Grow Up Singing Band, formed by the children of Dàmaris and Àlex, Leia (Laia Martínez) and Adri (Adrià Martínez), and Gloria (Glòria Maurel) and Julen (Julen Gerrikabeitia). In addition, there will be a dance group made up of Max and Marc, two talented dancers who have demonstrated their ability in shows such as Billy Elliot, along with Yaïza, who at the age of six won her first Danzo World Cup Spain 2019 competition. Also participating will be Clara Martinez, choreographer of the show, and French dancer Gaetan Farnier, both tap specialists.

The price of the Gala is 20 € for general admission and 5 € for children under 12 years, which will go entirely to the Associations of Families of Students of kindergarten and primary schools in the Baix Ter. Tickets are already on sale on the website of the Auditorium Theatre Espai Ter.

Fresh, intense and versatile, that’s Joya®

In the world of fruit, few things rival the juiciness and taste of a good apple. And when it comes to an exceptional apple, Joya® stands out as one of the most desirable varieties for its taste balance, crisp texture and vibrant red color. It is the result of decades of careful cultivation and selection, which has resulted in a superior quality fruit that attracts apple lovers around the world.

La Joya® is the registered trademark and trade name for the Cripps Red variety. It is a variety developed under the Club umbrella, which means that it has to meet high quality and packaging standards, it is produced and marketed by a limited number of growers and distributors, of which Giropoma is part, and it has to follow specific and environmentally committed practices.

One of the most distinctive characteristics of Joya® is its intense red color on a yellowish-green background. It stands out for its sweetness and its powerful acidic touch, making it the ideal combination for consumption in good weather. A firm, crunchy and juicy apple that is harvested between November and December and can be found until the end of July.

Its properties and attributes make it a perfect choice both for fresh food and for inclusion in countless recipes, from salads, to accompany meat and fish, to desserts.

It provides water, minerals and vitamin C that your body needs to face the day with energy, an essential option for a healthy, balanced and nutritious diet.

The Pink Lady®, a successful variety developed under the Club formula

The Pink Lady® apple was born in 1973 in Australia, and it was not until 1994 – 1995 that the first trees of this variety were planted in Europe, more precisely in France. In 1997, nursery owners, growers and distributors joined forces to create the Pink Lady® Europe association, and in 1998-1999, Spanish and Italian growers joined the Pink Lady® adventure.

Pink Lady® is the trade name and registered trademark of the Cripps Pink variety, a variety that has been developed under the Club umbrella, which means that it must meet specific quality and packaging standards, is produced and marketed by a limited number of growers and distributors, of which Giropoma is a member, and has to follow specific practices committed to the environment.

The Pink Lady® is an apple that stands out for its bicolor tone between reddish pink and pale green. It has a thin skin and a very aromatic cream-colored flesh, with a crunchy and juicy texture and a medium to large size. In terms of flavor, it combines very balanced sweetness with acidity. Its development is fast, especially with strong thermal differentials between day and night, and its optimum harvest time is November.

It is an ideal apple for eating fresh, making juices and is widely used in salads and to accompany meat and fish.

Giropoma attends the 39th Fruit Day organized by the Institute of Agri-Food Research and Technology

On Thursday, February 22, 2024, Giropoma attended the 39th Fruit Day, organized annually by the Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA) at Mas Badia in Tallada d’Empordà. A meeting point to address the challenges and responsibilities that fall on farmers and how to produce food, as well as to learn about various tools to move towards a more efficient and sustainable apple production system.

During the technical day, aspects of plant material, varieties, rootstocks, thinning, harvesting, pests and fungicide treatment management, among others, were discussed. In addition, part of the information presented is the result of the INIA projects “VUMOC” PID2019-109686RR-100, the demonstration activity “DEMO FRUITSCAN” and the Operational Groups SKABKILL and PICKBEST (Operation 16.01.01 of Cooperation for Innovation of the Rural Development Program of Catalonia 2014-2022).

The session was led by Joaquim Carbó and Jaume Lordan, both experts from IRTA, with a commented presentation on the most interesting apple varieties. Next, Stefano Musacchi, guest expert from Washington State University, spoke about the Geneva series rootstocks in the state of Washington.

Regarding the new tools for flower and fruit thinning, Luis González, expert from IRTA, together with others, Glòria Àvila and Adriana Escudero, spoke about which are the ideal Golden and Gala apples for the consumer and how to get them, as well as several tools to control the bernat marbrejat (Halyomorpha halys) in apple trees, respectively.

To close the day, Jordi Cabrefiga from IRTA, presented several strategies to deal with flecking, alternate and glomerella.

About a hundred people interested in apple growing gathered at this event to continue working on a sustainable and quality apple production.

Golden, one of the most appreciated apples by consumers

According to the Report on Food Consumption in Spain 2022 of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA), apples are one of the most consumed fresh fruits in Spain, ranking among the five major apple-producing countries in the EU-27. As for Catalan production, most of the total production of table apples is produced in Catalonia, with Lleida and Girona being the main production regions, followed by Tarragona and Barcelona (MAPA, 2023).

As for the Golden, it is one of the most cultivated varieties worldwide, due to its quality characteristics and its ability to adapt to any kind of soil, as well as its good cold storage.

The Golden is a smooth-skinned, greenish-yellow apple with a slight golden hue, round in shape and medium to large in size. Its texture is crunchy, juicy and smooth, and its flesh is white and consistent. It is characterized by a high sugar content and low acid content, and is very aromatic. Its optimum harvest time is in early September, and it can be found throughout the year, since it stands out for its good preservation.

Golden is one of the varieties that Giropoma produces and markets under the umbrella of the Protected Geographical Indication Poma de Girona, a seal of international recognition, product differentiation, evidence of quality and link to the territory.

It is an ideal apple to eat fresh, to make juices and cakes or to add to salads, and it is also a very good choice for baking.

Fruit Logistica in Berlin, the reference fair of the fruit and vegetable sector and innovation where Giropoma has attended

From 7 to 9 February 2024, Giropoma has participated in the Fruit Logistica Fair in Berlin. For more than 15 years the company has been present at the world event of the fruit and vegetable sector, an ideal space to strengthen relationships with customers, create synergies and business connections and share opinions.

Innovation is the essence of this world leading fair, which annually brings together the fruit and vegetable sector throughout its value chain, from the producer to the point of sale, including the product, machinery, technology, logistics, automation and digitization, among others.

This year’s edition, under the theme “The heartbeat of the Fresh Produce Business“, showcased more innovative products and solutions. Intelligent agricultural machinery and irrigation systems or fruit varieties resistant to common diseases, were some of the innovations that have been highlighted at this year’s fair.

Giropoma, within the stand of the Protected Geographical Indication Poma de Girona, made available to the attendees corporate information and a sample of the main formats that are marketed. The director, Àlex Creixell, as well as members of the company’s sales team could also be found there. “We have been coming to Fruit Logistica for many years to show our product, with the PGI Poma de Girona, which at the European level has a very important recognition of quality,” shared Creixell.

As for this year’s participation, the figures have been higher than the previous year, since it has been characterized by an increase in exhibition space. This year 2024 has broken a new record with more than 2,770 exhibitors from 94 countries from all continents and more than 66,000 visitors from 145 countries around the world.

This very positive trend in figures shows the increased interest in the sector and high expectations for the next edition, which will take place from February 5 to 7, 2025.

The Giropoma production area, the ideal environment for apple tree growing

Girona is a land of apples. And the fact is that apples have always been deeply rooted in the area, crops that since ancient times have occupied much of the fields of our territory. As a result of this tradition, and with the aim of offering a quality product, Giropoma is part of the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) Poma de Girona.

The PGI is, according to the Department of Climate Action, Food and Rural Agenda (DACC), the “name that identifies a product originating from a specific place, region or country, which has a specific quality, reputation or other characteristic that can essentially be attributed to its geographical origin, and of which at least one of its production, processing or preparation stages is carried out in the defined geographical area”.

In 2003, the European Union approved the application to obtain the Poma de Girona PGI seal, which provides greater international recognition, more differentiation of the product, evidence of its quality, strengthens the link between the product and the territory and requires compliance with production and certification standards.

The environment, soil and climate, key to apple growing

The Giropoma production area is characterized by a great variety of relief, with soils with fluvial materials and good drainage and surrounded by sea and mountains.

In addition, the Mediterranean climate, with mild, cool temperatures and a significant temperature differential between day and night, as well as the humidity and sunshine at the end of summer, allow the fruit to have good coloration and a high sugar content.

Thus, Giropoma apples produced by 29 producers on farms in the Alt and Baix Empordà, surrounded by the Natural Parks of Aiguamolls de l’Emporà and Montgrí, the Medes Islands and Baix Ter, meet the characteristics of the most demanding production standards, such as Integrated Production of Catalonia and GLOBALG.A.P. worldwide.

Innovation, research and visualization, three essential pillars

As mentioned above, Giropoma cultivates following the principles of integrated production, an agricultural production model of high quality food that uses natural methods and means of regulation, respectful of the environment and human health, and that guarantees sustainable agriculture in the long term.

In this sense, innovation has always been part of Giropoma’s DNA. One of the main actions to contribute to this environmental protection is the irrigation system based on soil moisture sensors implemented in the fields. This is a network of sensors distributed throughout the productive area which, through the data extracted and a climate forecast, allow irrigation recommendations to be given to growers, in order to be more efficient and rational, and thus achieve considerable water savings.

Visibility is also one of Giropoma’s work actions. An example of these efforts to make itself known and consolidate the brand as a benchmark in the fruit sector is the participation in fairs and events such as Fruit Attraction held annually in Madrid or Fruit Logistica in Berlin; the collaboration with organizations and projects in the area by providing apples; and the dissemination of recipes to promote the Mediterranean diet, among others.

Giropoma’s goal is to offer healthy and high quality apples, always following the values that define the company: the defense of the territory and the rural environment, respect for the environment, proximity, commitment and commitment to people.

The forecasts are successfully achieved and Giropoma closes the harvest with an apple that stands out for its quality

Last week, Giropoma completed the 2023 harvest, which stands out for the high quality of its apples, good coloration and size, and excellent sugar content. Despite being a year marked by drought, weather conditions have been favorable for the apple producer and marketer, which has successfully achieved the harvest forecasts.

Despite being a campaign marked by the water restrictions declared by the Catalan Water Agency, the correct management of this has allowed excellent fruit and the desired quantity.

This has been possible thanks to the irrigation system based on soil moisture sensors that the company has implemented, a soil monitoring based on probes that measure the volumetric water content in the soil; and the thinning carried out to ensure that the fruits could reach the harvest with the expected quality.

This low water availability caused by the lack of rainfall has minimized the occurrence of fungal diseases and, therefore, apple trees have been less affected by these organisms.

Giropoma makes a positive balance of this year’s harvest, closes the 2023 harvest with satisfaction, but also with concern about the drought situation that is expected to mark 2024, if it does not rain soon.

About Giropoma’s varieties

Giropoma currently markets 8 different varieties of apples. The Gala, Golden, Red Delicious and Granny Smith varieties, which are under the umbrella of the PGI Apple of Girona, the Fuji and the club varieties, the Regalyou marketed under the Candine® brand, the Cripps Pink marketed under the Pink Lady® brand and the Cripps Red marketed under the Joya® brand.

Giropoma attends the 23rd edition of POMATEC 2023, the Technical-Economic Apple Conference

Giropoma has attended the 23rd edition of POMATEC 2023 that took place on November 24, 2023 at the Montgrí Cinema in Torroella de Montgrí. This is the Technical-Economic Day of the Apple, organized annually by AFRUCAT, the City Council of Torroella de Montgrí and the Protected Geographical Indication Apple of Girona. A session aimed at all those interested in the cultivation of apple trees.

The inauguration of the day was led by Jordi Colomí, mayor of Torroella de Montgrí; Montsé Barón, president of Afrucat; and representatives of the Diputació de Girona and the Department of Climate Action, Food and Rural Agenda (DACC).

Then, one of the responsible of the DACC, spoke about the construction and rehabilitation of housing for farm workers and the plant in Catalonia, exposing their requirements and the regulations applicable to housing, aid and examples of housing of the company Modulaya. Then, Philipe Binard, president of Freshfel, shared with all attendees the update of the European apple crop forecasts for this summer.

After the break, Sara Ruiz, head of the Afrucat Market Surveillance Department, showed an infolinear of the evolution of the selling price of apples in Spain from 2015 to the present. Then began the round table on the marketing of apples in the European Union, moderated by Manel Simon, general director of Afrucat, where several representatives of the French and Italian production, and from different areas of the Spanish State participated.

Finally, Javier Sirvent, Technology Evangelist, spoke about Artificial Intelligence in the company and its use.

A day framed in the 629th Fair of San Andreu de Torroella de Montgrí, one of the oldest in Catalonia, structured as a true multisectoral fair, with numerous complementary events to the commercial, agricultural and livestock show, to reinforce its recreational and cultural style.

Giropoma technicians, producers and sales representatives attended on behalf of the company.

About Afrucat and Giropoma

Afrucat, one of the organizers of the conference, is the Fruit Business Association of Catalonia, whose mission is to defend the viability and future of Catalan fruit companies and the population that depends on them; to promote the exchange of information, technology transfer and agricultural advice; to support innovation, internationalization and territorial differentiation of production; and to promote fruit consumption among society and knowledge of market demands. It works with the vision of promoting Catalan fruit growing towards the leadership of global fruit growing and to become an international reference in fruit markets.

Giropoma is one of the associates of this entity, which provides its members with different services -such as, for example, advice, staff recruitment, etc., monitoring tools and materials -forecasts, indicators, protocols, etc., and dissemination and marketing actions -presence in fairs and conferences, as well as dissemination of campaigns, etc.

Photo: City Council of Torroella de Montgrí