Flash Gala apples are now taking their place as a quality apple cultivar on international markets. (Photo: Provided)
After years of challenges with quality control and heat damage, the Flash Gala apple cultivar seems to have found its feet.
Growers are celebrating what is being described as a breakthrough year for the variety after most of the problems that plagued the cultivar in its early years of development have largely been overcome.
Flash Gala apples are now taking their place as a quality apple cultivar on international markets.
Production rose from around 1.9 million MK6-equivalent cartons (typically 12.5 kg cartons) in 2024 to 2.2 million cartons this year. Of this crop, 68% met the strict quality specifications for Flash Gala – an increase of 53% compared to the previous year.
Calla du Toit, director of Tru-Cape and chairman of the BigBucks Growers Association, says this year was the first season in which the industry received consistently positive feedback from all its most important export markets.
The cultivar’s early challenges were largely the result of young orchards that had not yet reached full maturity. In particular, this led to uneven ripening, which made it more difficult to ensure quality.
BigBucks Gala has about 1,301 ha, of which 81% is estimated to have already reached maturity. This has helped to significantly reduce the uneven ripening problems that growers previously experienced and produce more uniform fruit.
The industry’s focus on technical discipline also played an important role. With 36 licensed warehouses and 34 marketers involved in the brand, great emphasis has been placed on standardizing quality requirements through regular technical meetings, on-board inspections, field days and better knowledge sharing.
Growers have also made progress in managing heat-related damage, something that has long been a headache for Gala growers. Flash Gala’s darker red color has shown better resistance to heat, while new handling protocols have helped detect damage earlier before fruit is exported.
Harvesting methods have since been refined after tests showed that at least two picking rounds are necessary to ensure optimal ripeness and uniform quality, especially in shady areas of trees.
The Flash Gala apple brand is currently making South African apples widely popular. (Photo: Tru-Cape).
The improvements have resulted in packaging outputs of more than 80%, outperforming traditional Gala varieties.
“Fruit is our true currency,” says Du Toit. “A lot of work has been done to ensure that ripeness protocols are met and that our customers consistently receive good quality fruit.”
The success of Flash Gala was also accompanied by a sharp decline in the volume of standard BigBucks Gala apples, which fell by 50%. According to the industry, this reflects a deliberate shift towards fruit of a higher quality that meets specific market requirements.
Meanwhile, the outlook for next year looks favorable. A larger harvest is expected, which could support further expansion into new markets and further strengthen the cultivar’s international presence.
“With a strong foundation now in place, Flash Gala is well positioned to deliver better returns for producers and further strengthen its reputation as a premium apple in local and export markets,” says Du Toit.