Circular economy: a second life for apples that are not sold

At Giropoma, we work every day to ensure that every apple reaches the consumer in the best possible condition in terms of quality and freshness. However, during the selection and grading process, some fruit does not meet commercial standards due to aesthetic reasons or minor defects. But this does not mean that it goes to waste. On the contrary: it forms part of our commitment to sustainability and the circular economy.

Apples that cannot be sold as fresh fruit are still perfectly good for consumption, and at Giropoma we give them a new lease of life through various channels.

A large proportion of these apples are used to make natural juices and other healthy drinks. Thanks to their flavor and aroma, they are ideal for producing 100% fruit juices with no additives, retaining all their nutritional properties.

Other apples are turned into compotes, jams, and natural purées, a product that is highly valued by both the food industry and the end consumer. In this way, we extend the product’s life cycle and avoid food waste.

They are also used by bakeries and pastry shops that use apples as the main ingredient in fillings, desserts, and baked goods. Their sweetness and texture make them an excellent raw material for culinary creations.

Apples that are not suitable for human consumption can be used to produce organic fertilizers and natural compounds, thus helping to close the production cycle and return nutrients to the soil.

This responsible management reduces food waste, one of the major challenges currently facing the agri-food sector. At Giropoma, we are committed to making use of all available resources, minimizing environmental impact, and promoting a more circular, sustainable, and efficient production model.

Every apple counts. And at Giropoma, we work to ensure that none of them go to waste.

Giropoma attends the 25th edition of POMATEC 2025, the Technical-Economic Conference on Apples

Giropoma attended the 25th edition of POMATEC 2025, held on Friday, November 28, 2025, at the Montgrí Cinema in Torroella de Montgrí. This conference, organized by Afrucat, the Torroella de Montgrí City Council, and the Manzana de Girona Protected Geographical Indication, brought together producers, technicians, and professionals from the fruit sector in a landmark event dedicated to analyzing the main challenges and economic opportunities of apple cultivation.

The conference was opened by Jordi Colomí, mayor of Torroella de Montgrí; representatives of the Provincial Council of Girona and the Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Food of the Government of Catalonia; and the president of Afrucat.

The event began with a presentation by Philippe Binard, president of Freshfel, who analyzed the evolution of the apple harvest in Europe, highlighting the current market situation, the main production areas, and the factors that have influenced the 2025 season.

This was followed by a round table discussion moderated by Manel Simon, CEO of Afrucat, in which several international experts such as Marc Peyres (Blue Whale, France), Vincent Guérin (ANPP, France), Joan Serentill (Afrucat and FEPEX, Spain), Ivan Elies (Nufresco, Spain), and Juan Francisco Rivera-Úrdaz (VIP, Italy) shared their views on the results of the previous season and the forecasts for the new season.

After the break, Marc Peyres presented his paper “Apples in the world: where is the global market heading?”, in which he analyzed the structural and commercial changes that will shape the future of the sector worldwide, with particular emphasis on varietal diversification and new international trade flows.

Next, Frank Maas, scientist and expert in fruit tree propagation, provided an update on the current state of European nurseries and emerging trends in varietal renewal and production planning.

To close the program, Joan Maria Pareta, from Novafrut, presented his paper “Protect to produce: innovation in crop protection systems,” focusing on the importance of adapting protection systems to climate change and extreme weather events to ensure the quality and sustainability of crops.

Giropoma’s participation in this event reaffirms its commitment to training, innovation, and sustainability, which are essential for the future of the apple sector in the Girona region and Catalonia as a whole. Technical and commercial representatives from the company attended to closely follow the economic and technological trends that will shape the new season.

POMATEC 2025 has once again established itself as a forum for knowledge and debate among producers, technicians, companies, and institutions, reaffirming the importance of collaboration and innovation in ensuring the competitiveness of the fruit sector.