South African Flash Gala makes history and celebrates a record-breaking season
Through a press release, South African pome fruit grower and distributor Tru Cape celebrated a record-breaking 2025 harvest season for Flash Gala apples. The BigBucks variety—commercialized under the Flash Gala brand—made history in the country, said the company, with 1,478,454 cartons packed. This is the largest volume harvested since the brand’s commercial launch, and represents an approximate 41 percent increase from the previous season’s output.
“This is the biggest Flash Gala crop we’ve ever seen,” says Calla du Toit, procurement manager at Tru-Cape and chair of the BigBucks Growers’ Association. The executive explained that the increase is due to orchards reaching maturity, along with exceptional harvests in key production areas, and the absence of adverse weather conditions. "Fruit was exceptionally clean, and pack-outs were outstanding,” she added.
But it was not only the volume that was noteworthy. Tru-Cape also indicated this year’s crop set new benchmarks for quality, colour, and consistency for them.
“We saw a dramatic improvement in eating quality this year, largely because the trees are maturing,” says Angelique Pretorius, technical manager of Kromco, of Flash Gala, the trademarked brand of BigBucks apples.
The horticultural science behind the improvement is simple, says Pretorius. She explains that when the trees were young, they were overly vigorous, which resulted in quality issues. But now canopies have settled, she says, and the company is shifting from vegetative to reproductive growth. "This means better and more consistent fruit quality,” she concludes.
Apples for a strong global demand
Tru-Cape's procurement manager believes Flash Gala apples give South Africa a competitive edge. She calls it "a premium Gala type" and assures that it can stand up to New Zealand Galas in both colour and eating quality. And the markets seem to agree, as the fruit made it successfully to China, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, and the Middle East.
“In many cases, as soon as clients received their first containers, they placed repeat orders,” says Calla. “India, in particular, has shown strong brand loyalty.”
Africa has not been left behind, especially Nigeria, Ghana, and Cameroon, says the company. DG Malherbe, export manager for Africa at Tru-Cape, notes that African buyers appreciate Flash Gala’s improved shelf life and taste. “They know exactly what they’re getting because of the high and reliable packing specification," he says.
A bright future for Flash Gala apples
Flash Gala is rapidly proving itself as a highly profitable brand set for expansion, says Tru-Cape.
“We expect a second wave of plantings within two to three years, especially in regions where growers have had strong results,” says Calla. “The solid returns and consistent market demand make BigBucks an attractive variety for growers.”
Angelique believes 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.”
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