Favorable season for red apple varieties in Moldova

Experts anticipate a favourable season for red apple varieties in Moldova, which are expected to have a better colouration this year due to the good light and weather conditions, i.e., an optimal combination between low and high temperatures.

In the past few years, consumers from Russia and Romania, as well as in the Middle East, have given preference to red apple varieties, according to data provided by Moldova Fruct Association (Fruit Producers and Exporters Association Moldova Fruct).

The most popular red varieties are: Gala, Fuji, Red Delicious and Florina. For the 2020 season Moldova anticipates a harvest of over 530 thousand tons of apples. Although, the country has been affected this year by drought and hail, the high-performance orchards, which were heavily invested in over recent years, have proven effective in minimizing the impact of weather conditions on the quality of fruits.

Apple orchards in Moldova cover more than 54,000 hectares, with an ever-increasing number under super-intensive production, which has led to an increase in yields and a greater fruit uniformity in size as well as an improved colouration. There are more than 20 varieties of apples that are grown in Moldova. Varieties like Florina, Fuji, Gala, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Idared, Jonagold, Red Delicious, and Reinette Simirenko taking up the lion’s share.

Grown primarily in the central and northern regions of the country, Moldovan apples have long been a staple in Eastern European markets. With increased production, grading and sorting, and cold storage capacity, Moldovan apples are now also finding loyal consumers in Western Europe.