VIP: +10% increase of organic apples

15-11-2025

With the 2025 harvest, VIP – Association of Fruit and Vegetable Cooperatives of Val Venosta reports a 10% increase in production compared to the previous year, exceeding 50,000 tons of organic table apples for the first time. This is a significant milestone that highlights the steady growth of the organic sector in Val Venosta, as well as the professionalism of the organic farmers meeting Europe’s growing demand for high-quality organic apples.

This success is mainly due to higher yields per hectare from the 284 organic growers cultivating over 1,100 hectares of organic apple orchards across Val Venosta.

At altitudes between 500 and 1,100 meters, with a dry climate and around 500 millimeters of annual rainfall, Val Venosta offers the perfect conditions for organic apple cultivation. The region’s long-standing family farming tradition guarantees a diverse assortment of apples available all year round, known for their consistently high quality.

Organic varieties: between tradition and innovation

“VIP aims to consolidate its role as a leader in organic markets across Europe and to contribute significantly to the sector’s development,” explains Gerhard Eberhöfer, VIP’s Head of Organic. The new organic varieties introduced by VIP feature a more modern profile — juicy, crisp, and aromatic apples that reflect contemporary tastes and can help boost overall consumption.

Traditional varieties such as Golden and Gala remain key pillars:

Gala continues to be one of the most in-demand varieties across all major markets, available through the summer months.

Golden has seen a slight drop in volume, yet VIP continues to guarantee the best organic quality of this variety on the market.

Among the new varieties, Bonita with its flavor is gaining ground in Northern Europe, while Ambrosia satisfies consumers who prefer a sweeter note. Kanzi and Cosmic Crisp have also established themselves as stable and internationally appreciated varieties.

Consumption

Over the past twelve months, organic product consumption has risen across all European markets, with increases of up to 8%. The countries with the highest share of organic products remain Denmark, Switzerland, and Austria (over 10% of the total food market), followed by Sweden, Luxembourg, and Germany. In terms of total revenue, Germany leads Europe, followed by France and Switzerland.

(Sorrce+ photo: VIP)