Josep Maria Font – Giropoma

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).

Giropoma participates in the Fruit Attraction Fair, which this year focuses on technological innovation in the sector

Giropoma has participated for the sixteenth consecutive year in the Fruit Attraction 2024 Fair that took place in Madrid from the 8th to the 10th of October. This event has become the commercial tool of reference for the global marketing of fruit and vegetables. It is therefore the commercial connection point for all the professionals that make up the value chain, given its capacity to promote world exports in the sector, as well as having established itself as a framework for innovation in the fruit and vegetable market. The event is organised by IFEMA MADRID and FEPEX with Andalusia as Guest Region.

As a new feature of this edition, special importance has been given to the Innova&Tech area dedicated to innovation and development of the most innovative techniques and products that help fruit and vegetable production to successfully face several current challenges such as sustainability, water management or increased production. In this sense, the new area has had the Biotech Attraction and Smart Agro sectors, being a space that has been destined to innovation, research and technological development companies in agrobiology/plant biotechnology and to innovative producers that apply information technologies to the sector (applications, YATE, big data, monitoring, automation, digitalisation, etc.).

This year’s edition has registered the highest participation in history with 2,146 exhibitor companies from 56 different countries, which represents an increase of 7% compared to last year, and more than 70 square kilometres of exhibition space spread over 10 pavilions, with an attendance of more than 100,000 professionals from 145 countries, according to data from Fruit Attraction. This year the “guest importing countries ’ were China and Saudi Arabia. With this, the fair has opened up trade relations with these markets.

In this sense, it is shown that the international segment has registered an important growth, with 45% of the total occupancy of the fair and with the incorporation of 102 companies. Giropoma has been one of the exhibitors present at the fair since its inception and, since then, it has been an ideal space to strengthen relationships with its customers, create synergies, establish business relationships and share impressions.

Giropoma favours biodiversity in the field for sustainable pest control

The coexistence of the greatest number of species in the same place and maintaining the balance of the ecosystem are key objectives in Giropoma‘s production. The company places special emphasis on favouring biodiversity in the field and activating useful fauna for sustainable crop growth. In this sense, the company seeks to create habitats through the development of various populations in nest boxes, insect hotels or with the conservation of trees and margins around the farms, as well as with the availability of water and the maintenance of grass between rows with a diversity of flowers. These techniques succeed in creating comfortable elements and environments for species to feed, establish refuges and reproduce.
‘These methods allow us to control the increase in pests or even bring them down to levels that do not cause damage to crops. In addition, there are species that can feed on this pest and this generates an increase in the population and, at the same time, benefits’, emphasises Cèsar Saiz, technical director of Giropoma.
All Giropoma’s fields follow the principles of the Catalan Council for Integrated Production (CCPI), choosing measures that aim to promote biodiversity -such as the installation of refuges-, the establishment of ecological compensation zones or the maintenance of the vegetation cover of the soil. Integrated production is the best system for crop protection and the basis for sustainable crop growth and pesticide risk reduction. The corporation points out that in growers’ fields there is often a large number of useful fauna, such as ladybirds, which help against pests. In addition, the CICC knows in which plots of land the products obtained following these criteria have been cultivated and what actions have been carried out in each plantation. ‘These practices are a further aid to successful production. However, they are not infallible methods and require observation of what is happening with biodiversity throughout the year,’ Saiz stresses.

Giropoma is one of the producers of the Catalan Council that since 2018 has implemented an irrigation system based on soil moisture sensors distributed throughout the production area, which through the data extracted – indicating the humidity and water available for the apple trees – and the weather forecast, allows them to give irrigation recommendations to minimise water consumption, control its correct distribution and the suitability of the means used.

In addition, the Catalan Council of Integrated Production contracts the control entities, accredited by the Spanish National Accreditation Entity (ENAC) in compliance with the EN-17.065 standard, to guarantee the monitoring of these standards. Giropoma is certified by the CCPI, so all the company’s products comply with the technical standards and regulations in force governing this agricultural production. In this line, Giropoma’s aim 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.