Josep Maria Font – Giropoma

Flowering and budding of apple trees: a decisive period for Giropoma production

In Giropoma‘s orchards, spring marks the beginning of a key stage in the biological cycle of apple trees: bud break and flowering. This process, which usually takes place between the end of March and the first half of April, is the starting point of the productive season and has a direct impact on the quality and quantity of the harvest.

These are mainly conditioned by the progressive increase in temperatures and the longer daylight hours typical of this time of the year. These conditions favor the emergence of the first buds and the opening of flowers, which are essential for future fruiting.

Flowering has a direct relationship with the productive potential of trees. An abundant and well-developed flowering represents a greater number of potential fruit. However, to ensure the final quality of the apple, it is essential to thin the fruit, a practice that allows the productive load to be controlled and favors the development of the best positioned specimens.

The process that transforms a flower into a quality apple depends on several key factors. First, proper fertilization is essential for the blossom to develop into fruit. Subsequently, the proper supply of nutrients and water will determine whether the fruit achieves the desired size and characteristics.

Spring lunches and snacks with Joya®: creative, nutrient-packed ideas

Spring invites us to renew habits, colors and flavors. It is the ideal time to add a fresh and healthy touch to everyday lunches and snacks, and the Joya® apple is the best ally to do so. With its intense, sweet yet tart taste and firm, crunchy texture, this variety is the perfect protagonist for creative recipes full of vitality.

La Joya® is a late apple that stands out for its bright red coloration on a yellowish-green background, compact flesh and refreshing taste that makes it ideal both for eating alone and for combining in sweet or savory dishes. It is a fruit that keeps very well, maintains its texture for weeks and presents a perfect balance between sugar and acidity, making it very versatile in the kitchen. It is also rich in fiber, antioxidants and vitamin C, and provides a feeling of satiety ideal for mid-morning or healthy snacks.

Spring recipes with Joya®

Joya® is not only a healthy food, but also a versatile culinary tool to give life to fresh, simple and very nutritious dishes. If you want to incorporate it into your daily routine in an original way, here are some easy and tasty ideas:

– Greek yogurt with caramelized Joya® and walnuts
Sauté apple chunks with a little cinnamon and honey. Add on top of plain Greek yogurt and top with chopped walnuts.

– Toast with fresh cheese, Joya® and mint
Spread a slice of whole wheat bread with fresh cheese, add thin slices of apple and fresh mint leaves.

– Joya® and peanut butter crunchy snack
Cut apple into thin slices and spread with peanut butter. Add chia seeds or dark chocolate chips for an extra kick.

– Spring Salad with Joya®, Spinach and Goat Cheese
Mix fresh spinach, apple chunks, walnuts and crumbled goat cheese. Dress with extra virgin olive oil and a little balsamic vinegar.

In addition to Joya®, Giropoma also produces other varieties such as Gala, Golden, Red Delicious and Granny Smith, which are under the umbrella of the Poma de Girona PGI, Fuji and the club varieties, Cripps Pink marketed under the Pink Lady® brand and Regalyou marketed under the Candine® brand.

Candine, a refreshing and balanced taste

Candine® is a red apple with areas of yellowish-green coloration characterized by a slightly flattened shape, a smooth and shiny skin, with a crisp and juicy texture. Its balance between sweetness and freshness, with a lingering aroma and subtle flavors reminiscent of exotic fruits, invites everyone to eat it again.

It is known for its organoleptic qualities, which makes it an attractive option among consumers. It has a high sweetness that mixed with a moderate acidity creates a refreshing and balanced flavor. It is an apple that goes perfectly with savory ingredients and for various culinary recipes such as pork loin with apples and honey, pork roast, apple crispies with pipe or stuffed croissants.

Its optimum harvest time is at the end of September and beginning of October, when it reaches maturity, and it is marketed until July, since it is a variety that keeps very well.

In addition to Candine®, the apple trading company also produces other varieties such as Gala, Golden, Red Delicious and Granny Smith, which are under the umbrella of the Manzana de Girona PGI, Fuji and the club varieties, Cripps Pink marketed under the Pink Lady® brand and Cripps Red marketed under the Joya® brand.

Giropoma reaffirms its commitment to innovation by attending the 40th Fruit Day organized by IRTA

One more year, Giropoma has attended the 40th Jornada Fructícola organized by the Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology in La Tallada d’Empordà. This event has established itself as an unmissable event for professionals in the fruit sector, focusing on sustainable apple production and sharing the latest technological and scientific advances.

During the session, which took place this February 26, 2025, several experts have addressed key issues for the fruit sector. Carlota Gonzalez, IRTA researcher, was in charge of kicking off the presentations, analyzing how variations in the accumulation of chilling hours affect the dormancy and flowering of apple trees in the Girona region.

For their part, researchers Luis Gonzalez and Jaume Lordan, also from IRTA, presented a commented presentation on the most interesting apple varieties. They highlighted new varieties that offer improvements in quality, flavor and disease resistance, crucial aspects for growers seeking to adapt to market demands and changing climatic conditions.

Next, Lee Kalsits, from the University of Washington, delved into the role of rootstocks in calcium management, an essential element to prevent physiological disorders such as “bitter pit” in apples. In addition, Glòria Àvila and Luis Gonzalez, from IRTA, reviewed effective calcium application strategies to control this physiopathy, providing practical recommendations for growers.

In the field of diseases, Bertrand Alison, from CTIFL/SudExpé, presented experiences and results in the control of Colletotrichum in France, while Jordi Cabrefiga, from IRTA, presented local experiences in the management of Glomerella in Girona, offering valuable perspectives for growers in the region.

This day has provided updated knowledge and practical tools to face present and future challenges in apple production. Giropoma‘s participation in this event reflects its commitment to innovation and sustainability in apple production.

Giropoma explores apple production in Brazil to remain at the forefront of the industry

This month, Giropoma, along with the rest of the companies that are part of the Protected Geographical Indication Apple of Girona, has participated in a technical trip to Brazil, organized by this. This exchange brought together directors, producers, commercial and technical staff with the aim of deepening the knowledge of apple production in a climatic environment very different from that of the company.

Brazil, because of its climate, concentrates its apple production in the south of the country, especially in the states of Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul. During the trip, three important producing areas were visited: Fraiburgo, Vacaria and São Joaquim. All of them share key characteristics: they are located above 1,000 meters above sea level, with an annual rainfall of 2,000 mm, and produce mainly Gala and Fuji varieties. In addition, their subtropical climate makes it difficult for the trees to stop growing in winter, which has a negative influence on production.

The exchange of knowledge was very enriching, especially in aspects related to fungus management under high temperature and humidity conditions, as well as strategies to counteract the lack of winter cold. Participants also learned first-hand about the new intensive planting systems being implemented in the area.

With this initiative, Giropoma demonstrates its commitment to learn and incorporate best practices, reaffirming its position as a reference in apple production.

Giropoma consolidates its international presence at the Fruit Logistica in Berlin

Last week, Giropoma actively participated in Fruit Logistica 2025, the world’s leading trade fair for the fresh produce sector, held from February 5 to 7 in Berlin. This reference event has gathered more than 91,000 professionals from 140 countries, as well as more than 2,770 exhibitors from all over the world, becoming a key meeting point for innovation, market trends and global business in the fruit and vegetable sector.

With its own stand, Giropoma had the opportunity to present its range of apples, highlighting its commitment to sustainability and innovation. Once again, participation in the fair was an opportunity to strengthen the brand’s presence in international markets, establish new business contacts and consolidate relationships with customers and distributors.

A space for innovation and networking

During these three days, the Giropoma stand became a meeting point for industry professionals, allowing them to share experiences and trends on the future of apple production and marketing. In addition, the fair offered networking spaces, conferences and presentations of new technologies, where topics such as the digitization of the sector, food safety and the impact of sustainability in agri-food production were addressed.

Fruit Logistica was also the ideal setting to explore new cultivation and post-harvest techniques, with the aim of continuing to guarantee top quality and environmentally friendly products. This approach is key for Giropoma, which is continuously working on the implementation of more efficient and sustainable processes to adapt to the demands of consumers and the market.

From Giropoma, we would like to thank all the professionals, customers and collaborators who have visited our stand and have shared with us this experience. We are excited about the future projects that will arise from this participation and we will continue working to offer high quality, healthy and sustainable apples. We are looking forward to the next edition, which will take place from February 4 to 6, 2026.

Pink Lady in the creative kitchen: sweet and savory contrasts

The Pink Lady® apple, known for its sweetness, combined with a subtle hint of acidity, and crisp texture, which remains even after cooking, brings a pleasant contrast to recipes. An apple that has become a favorite of chefs looking to innovate in creative cuisine. Its ability to pair with savory ingredients such as Iberian ham or cured cheeses makes this apple an ideal ally for surprising and sophisticated recipes. In addition, its bright pink color adds a distinguished air to any preparation.

Some ideas for exploring sweet and savory contrasts with Pink Lady include:
– Apple canapés with Iberian ham and honey: a classic combination with a creative twist.
– Pink Lady salad with cured cheese and walnuts: a balanced dish with texture and intense flavor.
– Apple and foie gras millefeuille: an elegant bet for special occasions.

An apple with history and production excellence

Pink Lady® is not only a delicious apple, but also a variety with a demanding and sustainable production. This apple requires a long growing cycle, which guarantees slow ripening and superior quality. In this sense, Giropoma’s grower-partners dedicate a constant effort to maintain the highest production standards, respecting the environment and betting on innovation.

Giropoma’s varieties: quality and diversity

In addition to Pink Lady®, Giropoma produces and markets a wide range of varieties. These include Royal Gala, a sweet and aromatic apple ideal for fresh consumption. The Fuji, which stands out for its juiciness and intense flavor; and the Golden, balanced and versatile, ideal for eating alone or for cooking. Granny Smith, with its acidic and refreshing taste, is a good choice for savory dishes; and Red Delicious, a highly appreciated apple by growers and consumers thanks to its intense red color and size. Finally, Candine® offers a good balance between sweetness and freshness, with a persistent aroma that makes it a very tempting option; and Joya®, which stands out for its taste balance.

This diversity makes it possible to offer quality apples adapted to all needs, from fresh consumption to gourmet cooking.

The 2024 harvest ends with an increase in apples of good size and excellent sugar content

Giropoma has finished the 2024 harvest this December. A campaign that stands out both in terms of quality and quantity, in line with the upward trend of recent years.

It is therefore important to highlight that the number of tonnes harvested this harvest has remained within the average of recent years, and that this year, in particular, has resulted in good figures thanks to the favourable weather conditions.

In this sense, Giropoma makes a positive balance of this year’s campaign and closes the 2024 harvest with satisfaction, given that despite the initial uncertainties with irrigation due to the drought, the forecasts have been fulfilled. In fact, water reserves are still low, according to the Catalan Water Agency. In spite of this situation, the apples obtained have been of good size and good colouring. So, this season, Giropoma has achieved high quality fruit in terms of good firmness, but also due to the excellent sugar content.

All this has also 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 fruit can reach the harvest with the expected quality. In recent years, with this system based on soil moisture sensors, the company has detected a 30% reduction in irrigation water compared to the water balance method previously used.

So now the company is closing the year with the Joya® harvest. A deep red bicolour apple on a yellowish-green background that stands out for its sweetness and its powerful acidic touch, making it the ideal combination for consumption in good weather. It is harvested between November and December and can be found until the end of July.

Giropoma currently markets 8 different varieties of apples. The Gala, Golden, Red Delicious and Granny Smith varieties, which are under the umbrella of the Poma de Girona PGI, 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.

Pink Lady, the apple on the table and in social initiatives

A striking red apple with a name that makes it seem sweet without even having tasted it, but that brings you closer to what this variety has to offer. The Pink Lady stands out for its bicolour tone between reddish pink and pale green. It is one of the apples that Giropoma has been selling for a long time and this year, it has started to be harvested and sold this November.

Of Australian origin, it was born in 1973 when the researcher John Cripps made a natural cross between two varieties of apple: Golden Delicious and Lady Williams. It was in 1994-1995 when the first trees were planted in Europe, specifically in France, and this new variety crossed the continent. 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.

The harvest of the Pink Lady is one of those that starts later, between the end of October and the beginning of November, because the fruit needs time to acquire maturity and the desired colour, characteristics that it achieves in the last weeks of ripening on the tree.

It is an ideal apple for eating fresh, making juices and is widely used in salads and to accompany meat and fish, due to its flavour which manages to combine sweetness with acidity in a very balanced way, as well as being comforting and refreshing. The variety, with a thin skin and a very aromatic burnt-coloured flesh, has a crunchy and juicy texture. It also contains natural fibre that helps to improve intestinal traffic, is antioxidant, provides vitamin C and contains 80% water.

In addition, it is a fruit with a transversal function as it has a high social commitment. Not only does it satisfy its consumers at the table, but in 2016 the Pink Lady Foundation was created to support business projects run by women. And it doesn’t stop there: in 2020, the variety launched its charter of commitments, which integrates the three pillars of sustainable development (environmental, social and economic issues).

Along these lines, several solidarity initiatives have also been organised, such as the “Sponsor a tree “ day, during which an outing was organised to one of Giropoma ”s fields with the aim of bringing the world of agriculture closer to the people, being absolutely transparent throughout the chain and generating a meeting point between consumers.

It should be emphasised that Pink Lady is a successful variety developed under the Club umbrella, which means that it has to comply with specific quality standards and is marketed by a limited number of producers, of which Giropoma is a member, following specific practices and committed to the environment. In this sense, it follows Giropoma ‘s mission, which is to offer healthy, high quality apples, always following the values that define the company: the defence of the territory and the rural environment, respect for the environment, proximity, commitment and a commitment to people.

La Granny Smith, the bakery apple

The Granny Smith variety first emerged in Australia in 1868 after Grandmother Smith (Maria Anna Smith Sherwood) created the first artificial grafting by crossing two species. The story said that the apple originated by a stream near her farm from the remains of several wild apples that Maria Ann had composted. Although its creator died, local farmers continued the cultivation and today it is one of the most appreciated by consumers.

The Granny Smith is a deep green apple, which may have very marked whitish lenticels. It is very round, with a whitish flesh, a very crunchy texture, not very sweet, juicy and with a very characteristic acid taste . It is an ideal variety to eat fresh and to prepare salads and pastries, because it takes longer to oxidise than other apples. It is a very versatile variety that can be eaten raw or cooked and is very famous for being one of the most used for apple pie and confectionery products such as apple compote, as it is used to compensate with its acidity the sweetness of sugar. The sour apple helps to prevent the final product from being too sweet and, in addition, this variety manages to keep its shape when baked. In this sense, although there are many types of apples, some have a better texture to be used in salads and others have an optimal consistency to be boiled or baked, as they need to have a firm flesh and a sweet and sour taste. Granny Smith is a favourite for these cases because it does not lose its aroma or its succulence.

Apples are high in vitamins and minerals such as potassium, phosphorus and calcium. In short, they provide a high quantity of healthy qualities. The optimum harvest time for this variety is in October and it can be found until the end of June. It is one of the varieties that Giropoma produces and markets. Along with the Gala, Golden and Red Delicious, the Granny Smith receives the internationally recognised Protected Geographical Indication Manzana de Girona seal, which differentiates the product and is a guarantee of quality and a link with the territory.

The company works to defend the territory and the rural environment, respect for the environment, proximity, commitment and commitment to people and its mission is to offer healthy, high quality apples. In addition to Granny Smith, 7 other varieties of apples are produced and marketed: Golden, Fuji, Pink Lady® (Cripps Pink variety), Red Delicious, Royal Gala, Candine® (Regalyou variety) and Joya® (Cripps Red variety).