Flash Gala hits million-carton milestone as exports ripen

South Africa’s Flash Gala apple surpassed one million cartons exported in a single season for the first time. This marks the largest crop and strongest quality performance since the variety entered international markets six years ago, according to Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing.

“We’re handling the largest Flash Gala crop in history, and it’s also the season with the fewest quality issues. We’re undoubtedly making great strides with the variety,” says Calla du Toit, procurement manager at Tru-Cape and chairperson of the BigBucks Growers’ Association.

A Gala mutation finds global traction

Flash Gala traces back to a 2011 mutation found in a Corder Gala block at Oak Valley in South Africa’s Elgin Valley. 

“I found BigBucks Gala—Flash Gala’s variety name—on 18 January 2011, to be exact,” recalls Horticulturist Buks Nel, who discovered the fruit. “The apple already had a vibrant red color, even though Galas are typically harvested in February.” He adds that early observers saw potential immediately. 

“Buks, I think you’ve hit on something big,” he remembers Hennie Venter, who was tasked with describing the variety for plant breeders’ rights, saying. Reflecting on the trajectory since then, Nel says, “I’m rather chuffed, to say the least.”

Commercial orchards went into the ground in 2017, with export trials beginning two years later. Substantial export volumes followed by 2020.

Calla attributes market traction partly to climate-driven attributes. “South African apples benefit from our sunny climate, resulting in higher sugar levels and excellent flavour. Flash Gala exemplifies this—brilliant colour and superior eating quality,” he says.

India leads demand as markets diversify

Reduced availability of US red apples in India opened space for South African suppliers, and India now ranks as Flash Gala’s largest export destination, the company says. Shipments also continue to build in China, Vietnam, Africa, and Russia. 

“The potential for growth in India and China remains enormous,” says Calla.

Brand differentiation plays a key role in Asia, according to exporters. “A carton of Flash Gala apples with their uniform red hue is a visual standout. The packaging is eye-catching, and consumers are drawn to the brand,” says Louis du Toit, responsible for marketing at Dutoit Agri.

“Flash Gala offers crispness, shelf life, and consistency, but what truly sets it apart is brand recognition. That’s invaluable in markets like the Far East,” notes JJ van der Spuy, commercial manager of fruit exports at Core Fruit

Tru-Cape’s promotional and development funds support targeted in-market activities, especially in the Middle East, Vietnam, and India. These promotional pushes have helped the variety gain a foothold even in markets that typically favour striped Galas.

“Chinese consumers generally prefer striped Gala apples, but with targeted promotions, we convinced Yong Hui Superstores to carry Flash Gala. It’s been a breakthrough in the Chinese retail market,” JJ says. “We are luring consumers with our promotional banners, encouraging them to develop an appetite for beautiful red apples. By giving them a good experience, they will return for more.”

He also highlights new market access: “Thailand holds promising potential for further growth,” following the country’s reopening to South African apples.

Growers refine production as volumes climb

Growers and technical teams continue to adjust harvest protocols as orchards mature. Calla notes early issues: “We had issues with lenticel and bitter pit from harvesting too early, and softness from harvesting too late. But over the past three seasons, we’ve improved consistency. As orchards mature and growers gain experience, quality issues have dropped significantly—even as volumes increased.”

The BigBucks Gala technical committee coordinates production guidelines, including harvest timing and pack-out rates. 

“We’ve collaborated closely to address harvest timing, eating quality, pack-out percentages, and consistency,” Calla says, citing field days and shared resources on a central information website.

Global expansion interest builds

Interest in growing BigBucks Gala continues in the United States, Australia, and India, according to the company. Local plantings have stabilised after rapid expansion, though a second wave is expected in cooler South African regions.

South Africa recently became the Southern Hemisphere’s largest apple exporter, overtaking Chile, according to industry data cited in the release.

“The fact that we’ve developed and scaled a variety like Flash Gala proves that South Africa is a leader in the global apple industry,” says Calla.

“We should take pride in Flash Gala—not only as an industry but as a nation. Marketing it as a truly South African product gives us a global edge,” Louis adds.

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