Josep Maria Font – Giropoma

The Summer Fruit Conference and the presentation ceremony for the first apple from Girona mark the start of the 2025 harvest

Giropoma attended the Summer Fruit Conference once again this year, the leading technical meeting for the sector, held on August 6 at the Mas Badia Institute for Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA) in La Tallada d’Empordà.

This edition brought together professionals from the sector to learn first-hand about the latest results of research and innovation projects. New selections of the Gala variety and early varieties were presented, along with strategies for controlling dormancy in situations where there are insufficient hours of cold weather, and solutions for combating gray aphids and Glomerella. New technologies were also showcased, such as InterraScan for soil mapping, variable applications of plant protection products, on-board cameras for monitoring size, and digital tools such as FruitMeasureApp and Miramiro.

The following day, August 7, the company attended the symbolic ceremony marking the harvest of the first Girona Apple 2025, organized by the Girona Apple Protected Geographical Indication, also at IRTA Mas Badia. At this event, which officially marks the start of the harvest, a forecast of 89,370 tons was announced, highlighting the optimal quality of the fruit and the ongoing varietal renewal. The ceremony was attended by institutional and industry representatives, with painter Lluís Roura as the guest of honor.

These two events reaffirm Giropoma’s commitment to innovation, quality, and the promotion of Girona apples, combining tradition and new technologies to maintain the competitiveness and prestige of the product everywhere.

Giropoma forecasts a new high quality harvest thanks to weather conditions

This new season’s apples are expected to be of very good quality, despite the fact that production will be slightly lower than last year. The weather conditions, which have been very favourable throughout the production cycle, have been key to obtaining high quality fruit with an excellent taste profile.

In this sense, this year’s spring has been particularly beneficial, with rainfall that has favoured optimum fruit development and has allowed significant savings in irrigation water. These conditions have contributed to obtaining apples with good size, firmness and a high sugar content, a fact that foresees a season with very good prospects in terms of quality.

Even so, for years, Giropoma has been committed to efficient and sustainable water management, with the use of irrigation systems based on soil humidity sensors. This technology makes it possible to optimise water resources, while ensuring the water needs of the crops and maintaining the quality standards that characterise the company’s production.

Thus, the new harvest will begin this August with the Gala variety, which will kick off a season marked by effort, innovation and commitment to local, healthy, quality fruit. This is a striated apple with a red colour on a burnt yellow background, crunchy, sweet and with a touch of acid that gives it a very good balance of flavour. Its optimum harvesting time is in August, and it can be found on the market until March.

About the varieties of Giropoma

Giropoma currently markets eight different varieties of apple, one of which is Gala, but there are also other varieties such as Golden, Red Delicious and Granny Smith, all under the umbrella of the Manzana de Girona PGI. They also produce Fuji and three club varieties: Regalyou, marketed under the Candine® brand; Cripps Pink, under the Pink Lady® brand; and Cripps Red, under the Joya® brand.

All these types are ideal for maintaining a balanced and healthy diet. They are high in water, vitamins and minerals, have antioxidant properties and are rich in fibre, which helps the digestive system to function properly and contributes to preventing cardiovascular problems and inflammatory diseases.

The Golden: the star of homemade desserts

If there is one apple that has won the hearts of our home cooks, it is the Golden apple. Its natural sweetness, greenish-yellow color with a slight golden hue and its crunchy and juicy texture make it one of the most versatile and beloved varieties, especially when it comes to traditional desserts.

In the home kitchen, the Golden has played a leading role for decades. It is ideal for preparing cakes, compotes or baked apples, but it also adapts to savory recipes and seasonal dishes.

Recipes that never go out of style

A good apple pie made with Golden retains its sweet taste without adding too much sugar. In addition, it keeps its shape and caramelizes smoothly, providing an irresistible texture. In the case of applesauce, the pulp melts easily and offers a natural mellowness that is perfect with yogurts, fresh cheeses or meat dishes. And if we talk about baked apples, with a little honey, cinnamon and nuts it becomes a healthy and very tasty dessert.

The Golden apple in Catalan cuisine

Although it is often associated with confectionery, the Golden apple also has a lot to say in traditional Catalan cuisine. It is ideal for reinterpreting classic dishes and giving them a fresh and natural touch:

– Duck with apple, usually made with more acidic varieties, gains a mellower and softer point with Golden.
– The carving of the Cerdanya with sautéed apple brings contrast and a texture that balances the whole.
– And even the “coca de recaudo”, if we add thin slices of Golden, gains a new dimension between sweet and salty.

A variety with character

Giropoma is grown under the quality standards of the IGP Manzana de Girona, a fact that guarantees not only its origin and freshness, but also the commitment to sustainable production, respectful of the land and the consumer.

Its organoleptic qualities are clear: a sweet and balanced taste with a slightly acid touch, a white and consistent pulp, and very aromatic.
In addition to Golden, the apple producer and marketer also produces Fuji, Gala, Red Delicious and Granny Smith, all recognized within the Manzana de Girona PGI. And also club varieties such as Cripps Pink, marketed as Pink Lady®, Regalyou, as Candine® and Cripps Red, as Joya®.

The role of insects in apple production

Insects play a fundamental role in the production cycle of apple trees and are part of a natural balance that must be understood, managed and preserved. Giropoma works with a model that values sustainability, biodiversity and respect for the environment, integrating practices that favor useful insects.

The main beneficial insects present in the fields are pollinators, such as bees and bumblebees, which play an essential role in the pollination process of apple blossoms. Adequate pollination contributes directly to better fruit quantity and quality, influencing aspects such as apple size and symmetry.

On the other hand, there is a great variety of insects that act as natural auxiliaries in pest control, among which the most important are the syrphids, ladybugs, lacewings and vespa parasitoids. These organisms help to reduce the presence of harmful insects in the fields in a natural way, favoring a more environmentally friendly production.

Giropoma follows the principles of integrated production, a farming system that combines agronomic efficiency with respect for the environment. Within this framework, all actions carried out in the fields are planned and executed taking into account the impact they may have on beneficial insects, with the aim of preserving the activity and ensuring continuity.

In order to conserve and improve the habitats of these insects, several concrete measures are implemented:

Plant covers with spontaneous or planted vegetation, between the lines of apple trees, implemented on all our farms.
Respect for the natural margins of the farms, which act as ecological corridors and biodiversity refuges.
Occasional installation of insect hotels on certain farms, with the aim of providing nesting and shelter spaces for useful insects.

The integration of these elements into agricultural management is part of the company’s commitment to sustainable and responsible production, which prioritizes not only product quality, but also the conservation of natural resources and biodiversity. Protecting insects is not only a necessity for production, but also a way of acting responsibly towards the territory and future generations.

Fuji, the queen of healthy snacks, salads and sauces

The Fuji apple has established itself as one of the most versatile and valued varieties on the market. Its sweet and intense flavor, combined with a juicy and crunchy texture, make it the ideal choice for both fresh consumption and cooking.

A natural and nutritious snack

It is perfect as a snack between meals. It is rich in fiber, vitamin C and antioxidants, essential nutrients to maintain a strong immune system and promote digestion. In addition, it provides energy in a natural way.

Ideal for balanced salads

Thanks to its consistent texture and balanced taste, Fuji maintains its structure without oxidizing easily. Its sweet and mild flavor perfectly balances ingredients such as vegetables, nuts or cheeses. It provides a refreshing contrast and a touch of sweetness that enriches any salad, whether cold or warm.

An excellent base for healthy sauces

Fuji’s natural sweetness allows the preparation of sauces and compotes without added sugar. It is an ideal variety for meat sauces, chutneys and purees, as it cooks easily and retains its characteristic aroma.

At Giropoma we select and care for each apple from the tree to the table. Our production model, based on sustainable agricultural practices and harvesting at the optimal moment of ripening, guarantees tasty fruit of the highest quality.

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

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.