Zouk aims to develop and select new varieties every year. This continuous process ensures constant innovation. . ‘Fruit breeding is like a conveyor belt in a factory, new varieties will come out of this process every year’
We don't focus on one single variety, consumers must be surprised in order to retain their interest in apples.
Over the last decade fruit consumption in Europe remained at an equivalent level, while apple consumption is declining. In some Western European countries there was a decline of 13%. This decrease is similar to that of red meat consumption, despite apples belonging in a very positive food group. This means that consumers are substituting their apple consumption. The large supply of other fruits are pushing the apples from the shelf. Next to substitution, we also see convenience gaining importance in regards of fruit consumption.
WE LISTEN TO THE CUSTOMER NEEDS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES IN EACH COUNTRY SO WE CAN DEVELOP SOLUTIONS FOR EACH SPECIFIC REGION
Our objective is to increase the current level of apple consumption. The key is a constant high quality standard and more variation on the shelves.
INNOVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY WORK TOGETHER
To spark this process of innovation and renewal we closely cooperate with our partners. As a sector, we must abandon the idea of producing and exporting the same variety for several decades. Rather, we have to connect with our markets and adjust our production accordingly. This is the sustainable production that we strive for as a company.