Josep Maria Font – Giropoma

Giropoma obtains SPRING certification to reinforce its commitment to responsible water use

Giropoma has recently obtained the SPRING certification, an international recognition linked to the GLOBALG.A.P. standard that validates best practices in sustainable water management in agricultural production. This certification focuses on one of the most valuable and sensitive resources in the agricultural sector: water. The objective of SPRING is to ensure that producers use this resource in a sustainable, efficient and responsible way, through control systems, planning and continuous improvement processes that guarantee its long-term availability.

What is SPRING certification?

SPRING is an additional module of GLOBALG.A.P. that evaluates and certifies water management in agricultural operations. Its name stands for Sustainable Program for Irrigation and Groundwater Use, and it establishes criteria to ensure the responsible use of water resources.

This certification system analyzes aspects such as water consumption management and monitoring, irrigation system efficiency, protection of local water resources, and sustainable planning of their use.

With these criteria, SPRING helps ensure that agricultural production is carried out while respecting ecosystems and contributing to preserving water for the future.

A commitment aligned with Giropoma’s philosophy

For Giropoma, obtaining this certification is another step in its ongoing commitment to continuous improvement and sustainability.

Following the drought episodes that have affected the region in recent years, responsible water management has become an even clearer priority for the agricultural sector. In this context, SPRING certification represents a tool to reinforce and validate the practices that were already being implemented.

Water management already embedded in daily operations

Obtaining the certification has not required major changes for Giropoma. The company already had a strong awareness of the importance of properly managing water resources.

A key element in this management is Giroreg, an in-house tool that allows precise control and optimization of irrigation. This system enables more efficient water use, adapting irrigation to the real needs of crops and avoiding waste.

Thanks to these tools and a responsible resource management, Giropoma continues to move towards a more sustainable, efficient and environmentally respectful production model.

Giropoma attends the 41st Fruit Growing Conference organized by IRTA

On February 18, Giropoma attended the 41st Fruit Growing Conference organized by the Institute of Research and Technology in Agro-Food (IRTA) in La Tallada d’Empordà, a key technical event for apple production professionals. The conference brought together researchers, technicians, and companies from the sector to share knowledge and experiences in response to new production and plant health challenges.

According to the official program, one of the featured presentations addressed the physiology of bitter pit and practical strategies to reduce its incidence, delivered by Bernardita Sallato from Washington State University. This disorder remains one of the main challenges affecting fruit quality and storage performance.

New findings were also presented on varieties, rootstocks, and training systems, along with advances in thinning management and fruit monitoring using on-board cameras, highlighting the growing role of technology and digitalization in modern fruit growing.

The conference also shared the first results in regenerative fruit growing (2023–2025), focusing on practices aimed at improving soil health, biodiversity, and farm sustainability. In this context, the importance of habitat restoration for pollinators was emphasized as a key factor in optimizing production.

Finally, the technical session on Glomerella in apple trees, with shared experiences between Sud Tirol and Girona, provided a comparative perspective on plant protection control strategies applied in different regions.

Through its participation in this event, Giropoma reaffirms its commitment to continuous training, innovation, and knowledge transfer, essential elements for advancing toward a more efficient, sustainable, and competitive apple production model.

Giropoma’s Joya apple awarded the 2026 Flavor of the Year seal

2026 has begun with great news for Giropoma: our Joya apple has been awarded the 2026 Flavor of the Year seal, a distinction that highlights its organoleptic quality and the satisfaction of consumers who have already had the opportunity to taste this exclusive variety.

What the flavor of the year seal represents

The Flavor of the Year seal is a quality distinction granted directly by consumers after blind taste tests. During these evaluations, participants assess key aspects such as taste, texture, aroma, and overall impression, without knowing the brand. This process guarantees objective recognition, based solely on the real consumption experience.

Obtaining this seal means that the product has successfully met the standards of excellence established by the organization and has been highly rated by the public.

Giropoma, the only producer of joya in spain

Giropoma is currently the only producer of the Joya variety in Spain, making this apple a distinctive offering within the national market. It is grown following strict quality, sustainability, and proximity criteria — values that are part of our DNA.

Commercialization begins this month

This very month, we have officially launched the new Joya apple campaign, bringing to market a fruit that stands out not only for its quality but also for its recent recognition. The start of the season is therefore strengthened by this seal that endorses its excellence.

Joya is an apple that captivates both inside and out. Its main characteristics include:

A well-balanced flavor, with a very pleasant combination of sweetness and acidity
A crisp and juicy texture that remains stable until consumption
An attractive appearance, with bright reddish tones
Great versatility, ideal both for fresh consumption and culinary uses

This combination of attributes has played a decisive role in its positive evaluation during consumer tastings.

The 2026 Flavor of the Year seal adds to the 2024 Flavor of the Year recognition previously received by Giropoma, further consolidating a trajectory marked by excellence and commitment to quality.

This new distinction encourages us to continue working with the same dedication as always, focusing on differentiated varieties and offering apples that truly stand out for their flavor.

Participation in Fruit Logistica 2026 strengthens Giropoma’s international projection

Once again, Giropoma actively participated in Fruit Logistica 2026, the leading trade fair for the global fresh produce trade, held from February 4 to 6 in Berlin. An event that, for the 33rd time, has confirmed its role as a key meeting point for the international horticulture industry, connecting markets, innovations, and professionals from around the world.

In a context marked by transforming markets, changes in supply chains, and evolving business models, Fruit Logistica brought together trade visitors from over 150 nations and 2,600 exhibitors from approximately 90 countries. An ideal setting to strengthen business relationships, identify new opportunities, and analyze the main trends in the sector.

At the IGP Poma de Girona, booth, Giropoma presented its range of apples, emphasizing product quality, traceability, and a commitment to sustainable and efficient production. The presence at the fair has allowed the brand to consolidate its position in strategic international markets and strengthen Giropoma’s positioning as a producer committed to the future of the sector.

A constantly evolving sector

This year’s edition has highlighted the need to share knowledge and experiences in a time of global change. Factors such as climate change, rising production costs, market volatility, and evolving consumer habits make in-person exchange more relevant than ever.

In this regard, Fruit Logistica has offered an extensive program of conferences, networking spaces, and presentations that have addressed key topics such as digitalization, sustainability, and innovation, among others. These are areas fully aligned with Giropoma’s strategy, which is committed to the continuous improvement of production and post-harvest processes.

Innovation, Technology, and a Forward-Looking Perspective

Innovation has been one of the main focuses of the fair, with a growing prominence for artificial intelligence, automation, and new technological solutions applied to production, quality control, logistics, and marketing. This approach reinforces the importance of adapting to an increasingly demanding and competitive environment, where technology becomes a key factor in ensuring the sustainability and resilience of the sector.

For Giropoma, participating in Fruit Logistica 2026 has been an opportunity to continue moving forward in this direction, share visions with other industry players, and identify innovative solutions that allow for offering high-quality, safe, and environmentally friendly products.

Apples, protagonists of the Christmas menu

As the parties approach, the kitchens are filled with warm smells and tables that want to surprise. Each variety provides a different nuance that refines sauces, gives relief to garnishes and raises both salty dishes and desserts. The key is to understand what each apple brings and apply it where it shines the most.

Golden is the best ally when we seek balance and softness. Its moderate sweetness and low acidity integrate fillings and sauces without covering the background. In roast cannelloni, with apple sautéed with butter and lemon peel provides succulence and perfume without over-sweeting. In birds, like the stuffed turkey, it helps to keep the stuffed moist and give a satin final sauce.

When the dish needs freshness and tension, Granny Smith comes into play. Its clear acidity cleanses the fat and gives contrast. It is ideal in fatty meats, such as duck or piglet, where a fast chutney with ginger and vinegar balances the whole. It also works in baked fish: fine sheets of Granny with fennel and a ray of olive oil make aromatic cushion for a soft but with character.

Pink Lady combines sweetness and acidity with a very fine aroma that falls in love with starters and accompaniments. In raw, keep the crunch and bring color: think about it on a baked brie or in a salad of donkey and pomegranate with a vinaigrette of honey and mustard. Lightly roasted with almonds, it acts as a spectacular counterpoint to the Brussels cabbages in the oven, transforming a classic garnish into a dish that everyone wants to repeat.

If we want juice and sweetness, Fuji is unbeatable. Hold medium cooking well and leave a full bite. In a pork loin with sage and cider, Fuji is caramelized slightly and integrates the sauce, providing volume to the palate.

The Red Delicious shines especially naturally: it is an apple to serve in thin sheets when what we are looking for is perfume and elegance. In the cheese boards, accompany blue and cured without competing; in the festive salads, pair with donkey, nuts and pomegranate. It is also a great option to give color to cold canapés where presentation is as important as taste.

With the Royal Gala, we find a gentle sweetness with a touch of acidity that makes it versatile in warm garnishes. A potato and apple purée makes it silky for veal slices; it also goes very well into a spicy cuscus with pistachios and herbs, a light alternative when the table asks to breathe between more forceful dishes.

The Candine® stands out for its crunchy and scent. Cut into dice, it spreads well and gives a fragrant touch to delicate preparations: salmon tartar with dill and lime, or foie cooked with a soft apple gelatin. It is the choice when we want the apple to be noticed in each bite without dominating.

For dishes with winter spices, such as vegetable curry, stews or even hot drinks, Joya® (Cripps Red) provides sweetness with a powerful acid touch that is understood with cinnamon, clove and star anise.

In a Christmas where every detail counts, the apples allow to orchestrate textures and flavors with precision. The right variety on the right plate can transform a traditional recipe into a new experience.

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.

10 creative ideas to add apples to your everyday life

The apple is one of the most versatile and complete fruits around: rich in fiber, low in calories, hydrating, and full of antioxidants. It also keeps well, is easy to carry, and pairs with a wide variety of foods, both sweet and savory. If you want to add a creative touch to your diet, here are 10 original and easy ideas to enjoy apples throughout the day.

Energizing breakfast with yogurt and grated apple

Start your day with a bowl of natural yogurt, oats, and grated apple. It provides fiber, protein, and sustained energy to power your morning.

Toast with almond butter and apple slices

A healthy alternative to traditional toast: spread nut butter on whole-grain bread and add thin apple slices. Finish with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Fresh salad with contrasts

Apples add a crisp, refreshing touch to any salad. Combine them with spinach, fresh or blue cheese, walnuts, and a splash of extra-virgin olive oil.

Grab-and-go snack: baked apple chips

Slice apples very thinly, bake them at a low temperature until crisp, and you’ll have a healthy, additive-free snack.

Revitalizing natural smoothie

Blend apple, celery, cucumber, and a squeeze of lemon for a refreshing green juice—ideal for hydration and gentle detox.

Baked apple with cinnamon and nuts

A light, nutritious classic: bake an apple with a little cinnamon, honey, and almonds or walnuts. Perfect as a dessert or a cozy afternoon snack.

Apple in savory dishes

Surprise your palate by adding diced apple to white-meat dishes like chicken or turkey, or to a vegetable curry. It brings sweetness and freshness to the plate.

Creative sandwich with apple and cheese

Make a sandwich with whole-grain bread, thin apple slices, and cheddar or Manchego cheese. An irresistible sweet-savory combo.

Homemade sauces and chutneys

Apples are an ideal base for chutney or sweet sauces to accompany meats, fish, or cheeses—a different way to impress at the table.

Quick dessert: apple and dark chocolate skewers

Alternate apple cubes with pieces of dark chocolate on a skewer. A sweet, antioxidant-rich option that’s easy to prepare for kids and adults alike.

A small fruit with big benefits

Bringing apples into your daily routine not only adds variety and flavor, it also supports your well-being. Rich in soluble fiber, they aid digestion, help regulate cholesterol, and promote satiety. Thanks to their high water and vitamin content, they’re ideal for hydrating and naturally strengthening your defenses.

With these 10 ideas, the apple stops being just a grab-and-go fruit and becomes the star of your everyday kitchen.

Granny Smith: The perfect acidity for salty and refreshing dishes

Granny Smith apple is one of the most recognized varieties worldwide, known for its intense green color and its characteristic flavor, fresh and acid. This unique personality makes it the ideal candidate for salty dishes, surprising combinations and refreshing drinks.

Granny Smith stands out for:

Sour and refreshing taste, which provides a vibrant contrast in salty dishes.
A firm and crispy pulp that maintains its texture even after being cooked.
Fresh and intense aromas that evoke herbaceous and citrus notes.

These characteristics make it especially versatile in the kitchen and very appreciated by consumers looking for a different taste experience.

Gastronomic ideas with Granny Smith

Its natural acidity opens up a range of culinary possibilities:

Meat sauces: Granny Smith is perfect for making reductions and bittersweet sauces that pair with duck, pork or chicken.
Salads with blue cheese: the contrast between the creaminess of the cheese and the fresh acidity of the apple creates an irresistible combination.
Ceviches and seafood dishes: it brings freshness and balance to dishes with raw fish, enhancing citrus flavors.
Drinks with acid touches: in cocktails, Granny Smith can be used to give an innovative, fresh and sophisticated touch to any special occasion.

With its characteristic acidity and versatility, Granny Smith is not only a delicious and healthy option for direct consumption, but also becomes a gastronomic ally capable of elevating salty dishes, creative recipes and innovative drinks.

Apart from Granny Smith, Giropoma also produces, Golden, Red Delicious and Gala, all recognized within the IGP Poma de Girona. And also Fuji and club varieties such as Cripps Pink, marketed as Pink Lady®, Regalyou, as Candine® and Cripps Red, as Joya.

Giropoma participates in Fruit Attraction 2025, which unveiled new pavilions and highlighted innovation and sustainability

Giropoma has participated once again in the Fruit Attraction 2025 Fair, which was held in Madrid from September 30 to October 2. This is one of the most important events worldwide for the marketing of fruit and vegetables and has established itself as a strategic meeting point for operators, retailers, and professionals in the sector.

This year’s edition stood out for the addition of new pavilions, a new feature that has made it possible to expand the exhibition area and improve the division into geographical areas. Fruit Attraction thus reinforces its role as a driver of commercial connections at a key moment for planning campaigns and opening new markets.

Innovation and knowledge at the heart of the fair

With the premises of marketing, innovation, quality, and knowledge, Fruit Attraction 2025 has presented itself as the promotional tool par excellence for the fruit and vegetable sector, with the aim of boosting international activity and enhancing interaction between all players in the value chain.

One of the most notable areas was the Innovation Hub, which brought together the latest developments and the best products and services from exhibitors. This area also hosted the Innovation Hub Awards, which recognize the most disruptive solutions in the sector.

New this year were the Best Stand Awards, which recognized the most surprising, innovative, and sustainable spaces, as voted on by attendees.

Since its inception, Giropoma has been present at the Fruit Attraction Fair, which has become an ideal space for strengthening customer relationships, establishing synergies, and exploring new business opportunities. Participation in the 2025 edition reaffirms the company’s commitment to innovation, quality, and internationalization, three key points for addressing the current challenges facing the fruit and vegetable sector.