Deciduous fruit marketing and distribution company Tru-Cape says the 2025 harvest season has delivered a record 1.48-million cartons of Flash Gala apples, which represents a 41% increase from the previous season’s output, and is the largest volume since the brand’s commercial launch.

“This is the biggest Flash Gala crop ever. The increase is owing to orchards reaching maturity, exceptional harvests in key production areas and the absence of adverse weather conditions,” says Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing procurement manager and industry organisation BigBucks Growers’ Association chairperson Calla du Toit.

Flash Gala apples are the trademarked brand of the fruit growers' association BigBucks Gala.

“Fruit was exceptionally clean and pack-outs were outstanding. This year’s crop set new benchmarks for quality, colour and consistency,” he states.

“We saw a dramatic improvement in eating quality of Flash Gala this year, largely because the trees are maturing,” says deciduous fruit packing and marketing company Kromco technical manager Angelique Pretorius.

“When the trees were young, they were overly vigorous, especially when planted on strong rootstocks. This resulted in quality issues, which were not unique to BigBucks.

“Now that canopies have settled and we are shifting from vegetative to reproductive growth, it means better and more consistent fruit quality,” she explains.

The record season is already fuelling interest in expansion.

“We expect a second wave of plantings within two to three years, especially in regions where growers have had strong results. The solid returns and consistent market demand make BigBucks an attractive variety for growers,” says Du Toit.

Further, the season also highlighted the importance of improved orchard discipline. Growers have learned to harvest closer to optimal maturity, even though the high colour can make it tempting to pick too early, he notes.

Flash Gala is a premium Gala type that can compete with New Zealand Gala apples in colour and eating quality, serving as a competitive edge for South African growers.

Market enthusiasm for the brand was immediate. In many cases, as soon as clients received their first containers, they placed repeat orders. India, in particular, has shown strong brand loyalty, he says.

Meanwhile, shipments were made to China, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore and the Middle East this season and the industry also saw a great performance in Africa, especially in Nigeria, Ghana and Cameroon, adds Tru-Cape export manager for Africa DG Malherbe.

In addition to the consistent and attractive colour, African buyers appreciate Flash Gala’s improved shelf life and taste, he adds.

Pack-outs were strong, arrival quality in overseas markets was excellent and feedback on the variety was highly positive, says fruit and vegetable producer Dutoit Agri marketing manager Louis du Toit.

“Our clients were impressed with the fruit, and it sold exceptionally well. Overall, it was an above-average season.

“However, we must diversify our markets and there’s significant potential in the Middle East, Bangladesh and the Far East. We also need to focus on improving storability to extend our sales window,” he recommends.

Flash Gala is proving to be a highly profitable brand. Profitability levels have improved significantly year-on-year. Price inflation has also outpaced cost inflation, and prices have exceeded expectations, Calla du Toit points out.

“BigBucks deserves to be valued as a variety. It is a Gala that colours well and is easy to farm. By focusing on the facts and the science, we can ensure we continue to improve quality and capitalise on its full potential,” says Pretorius.

With record volumes, excellent quality and strong demand, Flash Gala is firmly establishing itself as a South African apple success story, and the brand is poised to grow further locally and internationally, says Calla du Toit.

Collective efforts, from production to packing to export, were the reason for the season's success.

“It is exciting to see so many young horticulturists and technical experts involved. Constant innovation is the only way we’ll stay ahead in a competitive global market,” he says.