Austria's most popular apples conquer the world
Quality production based on 20 years of experience, gentle manual handling and the unrivalled taste are the factors that make apples from Austria a popular export produce. The Styrian export company EVA has been successfully supplying the international market for years with the juicy, popular fruit.
The majority of Austria's most popular apples come from Styria, the "green heart of Austria" as it is called. Every year, about 140,000 tons of the finest apples are picked here. About half of them stay in Austria and the remaining 70,000 tons are exported by the EVA marketing company. The most important of the more than 30 export markets are Germany, Great Britain and Scandinavia. The countries in Eastern Europe and Northern Africa are considered to be the most promising future markets. "We were able to considerably expand our market share in our neighbouring countries recently" EVA Managing Director Dr. Roman Seligo is pleased. Together with the producers' organisation EVA Obst Partner Steiermark GmbH, EVA is the biggest fruit marketer in Austria. The secret of its success: careful production, state-of-the-art warehousing technology, various packing options, perfect logistics and strict quality management as well as market-oriented sales policies.
Network of partners
The roles in Styrian apple production are divided according to a sophisticated system: EVA is responsible for the export to all markets outside Austria and for strategic coordination tasks at home and abroad. The approximately 1,000 producers are organised in the "OPST Obst Partner Steiermark" producers' organisation recognised under EU law and supply their products to 11 specialist packing houses and via EVA to all markets outside Austria. The packing companies are in charge of storage, sorting, packing and supply of apples to Austrian customers according to the most advanced standards.
A Styrian success story
Styria can look back on a long tradition of fruit production. The rolling hills of Styria lie at the heart of the unique European apple belt of that enjoys all the benefits of favourable climatic and geographic conditions. The hill country is characterised by agricultural diversity and numerous orchards. The personal commitment, know-how and skills of the fruit growers as well as the favourable climatic conditions of the region produce the unique flavour and the full taste Styrian apples are famed for. The quantity harvested has more than doubled over the last few years. The most advanced warehousing technology ensures that the various varieties are available for export all year round. "It is our goal to tickle consumers' palates worldwide with the finest Austrian taste. We identify optimum sales markets for the various cultivars and qualities. Special attention is paid to market-oriented variety policies and the development of new cultivars. In addition, we are planning to increase the share of organic production from currently 3,000 tons to 15,000 tons over the next five years", says Roman Seligo about EVA's strategy.
Rich diversity
Currently EVA markets nine apple varieties under the brand names of "EVA", "Mozart", "frisch-saftig-steirisch" and "Von Herzen Biobauern Österreich" (both in Austria). The most popular apples in Austria and abroad are well-established cultivars such as Gala, Golden Delicious, Elstar and Kronzprinz Rudolf. To be able to cater to as many tastes as possible, and meanwhile the creative apple growers continue to develop and market ever new varieties. Recent and deliciously successful launches on the market: Kiku and Rubinette.
Source: EVA press information