STELLAR™, the Hot Climate Partnership’s new early apple variety adapted to warm climates

After the success of the Tutti™ apple, the Hot Climate Partnership, of which IRTA is a member, now presents the second variety resulting from its work

The STELLAR™ apple, juicy, crisp and bright red even when ripening in hot summers, will be officially launched at the upcoming Fruit Attraction international trade fair in Madrid

With just one week to go until the Fruit Attraction international trade fair in Madrid, the Hot Climate Partnership (HCP) is ready to present the new apple variety STELLAR™: the world’s first early variety specifically adapted to hot summer climates.

STELLAR™ is a new milestone in the early apple variety sector. The bright red fruit is similar in size to Gala, with the added advantage of ripening one to two weeks earlier, and has a good storability that will appeal to growers and retailers alike.

Joan Bonany, IRTA researcher and one of those involved in its development, sums it up very well: ‘The new STELLAR variety ripens about 10 days before Gala, and is therefore the first variety to ripen in the production calendar. This way, we could bring a fresh product in the middle of summer, which even in the warm temperatures of July and mid-August develops a very bright and attractive red colour. This, combined with a crisp and juicy texture, makes STELLAR a very interesting apple variety for the whole value chain’.

As for Morgan Rogers, CEO of VentureFruit (the T&G Global subsidiary chosen to commercialise the HCP varieties), he is convinced that STELLAR will be a variety that will greatly benefit growers: ‘As temperatures rise around the world, apples can ripen too quickly, and heat also affects colour, texture and yield. Innovations such as the development of STELLAR™ are essential to provide growers with new varietal options, specifically selected for hot climates, ensuring that consumers can continue to enjoy apples with great taste, texture and appearance‘.

STELLAR™, also known by its varietal name ‘HOT81A1’, is the result of more than 20 years of breeding and scientific development, and the second varietal release of the Hot Climate Partnership, following the successful release of the TUTTI™ apple in early 2023. Although both varieties have been developed to withstand high temperatures, they also grow well in temperate climates typical of Europe’s major apple-growing areas.

Following a rigorous selection process, IFO has been chosen as the main licensee of STELLAR™, through an open tree marketing model, ensuring that more growers have access to the new variety and more flexibility, as they will be able to buy STELLAR™ apple trees and brand the fruit with the trade name of their choice. Based in France, IFO is a privately owned company with international reach, specialising in the research and development of new apple and pear varieties and rootstocks. IFO, together with its parent company Dalival, is part of the worldwide network of INN nurseries. Growers interested in purchasing and planting STELLAR™ are encouraged to contact IFO directly. Ultimately, STELLAR™ will be available to growers around the world, although its initial launch will focus on Europe and territories where plant material is available.

The name STELLAR™ was chosen, according to Rogers, to highlight the exceptional qualities of this new apple variety: ‘STELLAR has two definitions: “of the stars” and “magnificent” or “exceptional”. This name highlights the variety’s ability to thrive in hot, hot climates and deliver outstanding colour and yield, making it a star choice for growers and consumers alike’. Rogers adds: ‘Each variety in the Hot Climate Partnership brings unique strengths and advantages. These first two varieties complement each other by addressing different grower needs, such as price and seasonal availability’.

The Hot Climate Partnership was launched in 2002 in response to the challenges faced by Catalan apple and pear growers. It is a collaboration between the Institute of Agri-Food Research and Technology of Catalonia (IRTA), Plant & Food Research of New Zealand, the Catalan fruit growers’ association Fruit Futur, and VentureFruit, T&G Global’s subsidiary for the management and commercialisation of new varieties, as a strategic partner for the commercialisation of the Hot Climate Partnership varieties at a global level. The programme has a broad portfolio of 13 apple and 6 pear varieties, which are completing their final years of evaluation and pre-commercial scale testing.

Following the release of STELLAR™ apple trees, the Hot Climate Partnership has shortlisted two further varieties that are expected to be commercialised from 2025, both bred specifically to tolerate hot climates.

The VentureFruit team will be present at the BayWa Global Produce stand (Stand 10D20 – Hall P10) at Fruit Attraction, Madrid, from 8 to 10 October 2024.