The ultimate VOG Home of apples Experience took place in Madrid, showcased at the Fruit Attraction event from October 8 to 10. This event highlighted a variety of unique brands that resonate with modern consumer values and lifestyles, addressing the challenges of contemporary consumption. These successful brands captivated audiences by showcasing their distinctive textures and flavours, demonstrating VOG’s commitment to meeting the evolving demands of today’s market and connecting with consumers.
The timing of the Madrid event coincided perfectly with the new apple harvest, marking a fruitful season for VOG. With most brands already harvested, predictions for high product quality and volume have been confirmed, ensuring year-round availability. Additionally, the unique assortment of organic products will also be accessible throughout the year.
“At Fruit Attraction we discussed how we plant, foster and harvest brands, always keeping the focus on consumers, their needs and their values” explains Hannes Tauber, Marketing Manager at VOG. “It is essential to establish a dialogue with the people who will choose our products at the store, to give them the support they need to understand which is the right apple for them and to make the category increasingly attractive.”
“Our organisation is approaching the 80 year mark, a long history entirely dedicated to apples. This is why we have the expertise to optimistically face the challenges of the sector starting with the consumption situation in Europe”, comments Walter Pardatscher, CEO of VOG. This milestone is an opportunity not just to celebrate VOG’s rich history, but also to reaffirm the core values that have driven its success: a strong sense of origin, extensive expertise, high-quality brands, sustainability, and a consumer-first approach.
At the heart of this legacy are VOG’s 4,000+ apple farmers, whose passion and dedication ensure the nurturing of innovative apple brands that bring joy to the table. VOG’s success is a testament to these farmers’ hard work, as they consistently uphold quality standards to meet global consumer expectations. Their innovative brands prioritize customer needs, creating lasting value for generations to come.
On Tuesday, October 8th, guests, including those from GSN, gathered at La Quinta de Jarama in Madrid for a remarkable event. The ambiance was unforgettable, with the “Home of apples” taking center stage. Attendees explored six stations, each dedicated to a different brand, immersing themselves in the stories and flavours of these iconic varieties.
At the event, attendees engaged directly with the consumer experience, uncovering the unique textures, tastes, and values each brand represents. GSN magazine and others gained valuable insights into each variety, and the tastings showcased the rich history and dedication behind them. The distinct flavours left a lasting impression, igniting a curiosity to explore more delicious and nutritious pairings.
The evening’s atmosphere was truly unforgettable, reflecting the quality and expertise invested in these brands. The “Home of apples Experience” left GSN inspired to explore the delightful flavours and wanting more.
As guests walked through the stations, they experienced a range of emotions and sensations. The first station, “envy,” celebrated the apple’s purity and sweetness, enhanced by a pairing with milk chocolate that brought out the apple’s unique notes. Next was the Kanzi apple, which has captivated a youthful audience for 20 years. Its invigorating zing, paired with peanut butter, offered an energizing experience. The Pink Lady station emphasized emotional connections, showcasing her beautiful texture and colour paired with delicate rose petals. Her sweet taste truly reflects her enduring appeal. Next, GSN and attendees visited the Marlene Station it felt as though you were immersed in the “Daughter of the Alps.” This tasting experience transported participants through the enchanting landscapes of South Tyrol, Each
bite invited you to savour the region’s rich culinary heritage, creating a connection to the breathtaking alpine scenery. The flavours were not just tastes; they were a celebration of the land, evoking the true origin of the home of these apples and traditions of this remarkable region. The Organic Gala was enjoyed alongside mature cheese, while the Golden Delicious was beautifully paired with cinnamon, pine nuts, and sultanas, capturing the essence of South Tyrolean cuisine.
As we approached the finale, tasters taken on a heavenly Cosmic Apple journey with Cosmic Crisp, its juicy sweetness and red starry texture making you feel as if you were floating above the clouds in a hot air balloon.
The final stars of the show were two apples with distinct personalities: the little rebel, Red Pop, perfect for snacking, and the mighty Giga, ideal for sharing thanks to its large size. Ideal for snacking at any time of the day, Red Pop beautifully paired with salad and almonds, while Giga, complemented by speck, invited communal enjoyment.
The origins of these apples beautifully illustrate how years of nurturing and careful cultivation have produced extraordinary textures and flavours., featuring unique and authentic brands, each having their own story. This heritage not only enriches consumers’ lives but also enhances the charm of these remarkable apples.