Bloss apple arrives in Belgian supermarkets with disease resistance
A new apple variety known as the “Bloss” is arriving in Belgian supermarkets within two weeks, bringing a crisp texture and persistent sugar content following a multi-year development cycle, rtl.be reported.
Harvesting for the autumn season is underway in Hesbaye, where fruiticulturist Nicolas Goffin planted the first trees five years ago. Cultivation now spans five hectares, driven largely by the variety’s natural resilience against weather fluctuations and fungal pressures.
Bloss Variety Reduces Need for Chemical Treatments
The recent growing season experienced dry conditions, limiting fungal growth across regional orchards. However, the Bloss variety is designed to withstand wetter periods that typically encourage apple scab, a fungus that creates greyish blemishes on fruit surfaces.
Olivier Warnier, director of the Walloon fruit center, noted that disease-resistant varieties reduce the necessity for chemical treatments. Even organic orchards are adopting these resilient strains to maintain visual appeal for consumers while lowering pesticide usage.
| Apple Variety | Market Position | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Bloss | New market entry (Hesbaye) | High disease resistance, crunchy texture, persistent sugar |
| Established Varieties | Golden, Granny Smith, Jonagold, Pink Lady | Standard supermarket presence |
Bloss Apples Compete for Supermarket Shelf Space
Belgium accounts for 1.7 percent of total European apple production. Introducing a new cultivar requires securing shelf space in retail stores currently dominated by well-known varieties such as Golden, Granny Smith, Jonagold, and Pink Lady.
Warnier indicated that major retailers remain cautious about expanding the number of varieties displayed on store shelves. Establishing consumer recognition for the Bloss apple will require an adjustment period as supermarkets gradually incorporate the fruit into their permanent layouts.