South African Flash Gala makes history with record harvest

SOUTH AFRICA – South Africa’s Flash Gala apple growers are celebrating a record-breaking season after packing 1,478,454 cartons, the largest volume since the brand’s commercial launch.

The figure marks a 41 percent increase from the previous season and sets new standards for quality, colour, and taste.

“This is the biggest Flash Gala crop we’ve ever seen,” said Calla du Toit, procurement manager at Tru-Cape and chair of the BigBucks Growers’ Association. She explained that orchards had matured, harvest conditions were ideal, and fruit quality reached new heights.

“Fruit was exceptionally clean, and pack-outs were outstanding,” she added.

Industry experts credit the apple’s growing strength to both science and experience in the orchards. “We saw a dramatic improvement in eating quality this year, largely because the trees are maturing,” said Angelique Pretorius, technical manager at Kromco.

Pretorius explained that younger trees once posed challenges with overgrowth, which affected fruit quality. But as the trees matured, their growth shifted from leaves to fruit. “This means better and more consistent fruit quality,” she said.

The season also brought global recognition. Tru-Cape confirmed that the Flash Gala variety held its ground in key export destinations including China, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, and the Middle East.

Demand continued to grow across Africa, with Nigeria, Ghana, and Cameroon emerging as steady buyers.

“In many cases, as soon as clients received their first containers, they placed repeat orders,” said Calla. “India, in particular, has shown strong brand loyalty.”

DG Malherbe, export manager for Africa at Tru-Cape, pointed to the fruit’s longer shelf life and consistent packaging. “They know exactly what they’re getting because of the high and reliable packing specification,” he said.

Growers now expect continued investment in the apple’s future. “We expect a second wave of plantings within two to three years, especially in regions where growers have had strong results,” said Calla.

She believes the reliable returns and steady market demand make BigBucks an attractive choice for farmers.

The milestone harvest follows another major achievement just three months ago, when Flash Gala exports officially crossed the one million carton mark in a single season. The achievement came only six years after the variety entered international markets.

The Flash Gala, officially known as BigBucks, was first identified in 2011 by horticulturist Buks Nel in the Elgin Valley.

Commercial planting began in 2017, with export trials starting two years later. By 2020, the fruit had already reached several international markets.

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