South Africa's homegrown apple brand, Flash Gala, has reached a significant milestone just six years after its international debut. Over one million cartons of this popular variety were exported in a single season, affirming South Africa's position as a leading apple exporter in the Southern Hemisphere. Calla du Toit, procurement manager at Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing and chairperson of the BigBucks Growers' Association, noted, "We're handling the largest Flash Gala crop in history, and it's also the season with the fewest quality issues. We're undoubtedly making great strides with the variety."
Flash Gala's journey began in 2011 when horticulturist Buks Nel discovered a promising mutation in a Corder Gala orchard at Oak Valley in the Elgin Valley. "I found BigBucks Gala—Flash Gala's variety name—on January 18, 2011. The apple already had a vibrant red color, even though Galas are typically harvested in February," Nel recalled. Initially filling a market gap for full-red Galas, the variety gained attention quickly, with Hennie Venter, tasked with describing the variety for plant breeders' rights, declaring, "Buks, I think you've hit on something big."
Commercial orchards of Flash Gala were first planted in 2017, with export trials starting in 2019. By 2020, substantial volumes were shipped abroad. Known for its brilliant red color and superior taste, Flash Gala benefits from South Africa's sunny climate, which enhances sugar levels. India has become the largest market for the brand, taking advantage of a decline in American red apple availability. Flash Gala also thrives in China, Vietnam, Africa, and Russia, with significant growth potential in India and China.
Louis du Toit, marketing head at Dutoit Agri, emphasized the brand's appeal, highlighting its consistent red color and eye-catching packaging. "A carton of Flash Gala apples with their uniform red hue is a visual standout," he said. JJ van der Spuy, commercial manager of fruit exports at Core Fruit, noted that strong branding has been crucial to success in markets like the Far East. Tru-Cape's promotional funds, focused on the Middle East, Vietnam, and India, have also accelerated growth, helping to convince Chinese retailers like Yong Hui Superstores to carry Flash Gala, a breakthrough in the market.
Despite early challenges in determining optimal harvest times, quality has significantly improved over the past three seasons. The BigBucks Gala technical committee's work on refining production and packing protocols, combined with regular knowledge-sharing sessions, has been essential in maintaining quality. As Flash Gala's reputation grows, interest in cultivating the variety has spread to countries like the United States, Australia, and India.
"We should take pride in Flash Gala—not only as an industry but as a nation. Marketing it as a truly South African product gives us a global edge," Louis du Toit concluded.
For more information:
Lucille Botha
Tru-Cape
Tel: +27 (0) 84 855 3496
Email: [email protected]
www.tru-cape.com