Exhibiting at Asia Fruit Logistica 2025

VOG – Home of Apples is a leading European consortium of fruit growers’ cooperatives based in South Tyrol, Italy. Representing over 4,600 apple growers through 12 cooperatives, VOG is one of the largest and most specialized apple marketing organizations in the world. With a legacy spanning over 80 years, VOG delivers premium-quality apples—both conventional and organic—to more than 75 countries worldwide, offering an unmatched variety portfolio under renowned international brands.

Core Business

VOG’s primary focus is the production, storage, packaging, branding, and global distribution of apples cultivated in the alpine region of South Tyrol. The consortium ensures total control over the supply chain, from orchard to market, enabling high levels of traceability, freshness, and sustainability.

The cooperative structure ensures growers receive fair value while enabling centralized marketing, quality control, and logistics. VOG’s dual-channel strategy encompasses:

• Integrated Production (IP): Apples grown using environmentally conscious techniques
• Organic Production: EU-certified organic apples, marketed under dedicated brands

Product and Service Offerings

Apple Varieties (Conventional and Organic)

VOG offers more than 20 commercial apple varieties, with specialization in club apples, heritage types, and innovation cultivars:

• Classic Varieties: Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Gala, Red Delicious, Fuji, Braeburn
• Club Varieties:
  • Marlene® (umbrella brand for South Tyrolean apples)
  • Pink Lady®
  • Kanzi®
  • envy™
  • yello®
  • Jazz™
  • Joya®
  • SweeTango™
  • RedPop®
  • Giga®
  • Cosmic Crisp®
  • Crimson Snow®

These apples are tailored for distinct taste profiles, shelf-life expectations, and retailer branding strategies.

Services

• Customized packaging and branding solutions (including private label)
• Global distribution network with just-in-time capabilities
• Integrated traceability from orchard to consumer
• Cold storage and controlled atmosphere facilities
• Marketing support with retail POS and campaigns

Specialization and Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

VOG’s USP lies in its scale, varietal breadth, and high-altitude growing environment, with orchards located at 200–1,000 meters above sea level. Distinctive advantages include:

• Year-round apple availability due to advanced storage and logistics
• Consistent quality from a single origin (South Tyrol)
• Early adoption of new apple varieties and exclusive club cultivars
• Sustainable practices across all cooperatives

VOG is also a European pioneer in club variety management, offering global retailers access to premium apple brands supported by marketing campaigns and innovation in flavor and packaging.

Financial and Operational Overview

As of 2024, VOG has demonstrated strong production and commercial metrics:

• Annual Apple Production: Over 500,000 metric tons
• Growers Represented: More than 4,600 across 12 cooperatives
• Organic Apple Share: Approx. 30,000 metric tons annually
• Storage Capacity: 400,000+ tons across 12 facilities
• Employees: Over 1,600 across the value chain
• Export Reach: More than 75 countries globally

VOG has grown into one of the most recognized apple suppliers across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North Africa.

Shipment and Trade Data

VOG apples are exported via integrated logistics partners, ensuring optimal freshness and delivery efficiency. Key data points include:

• Top Export Markets: Germany, Spain, UK, France, Saudi Arabia, UAE, India, Southeast Asia
• Annual Shipments: 25,000+ containers (estimated)
• Season Duration: August through July, with year-round availability via storage programs
• Transport Modes: Reefer trucks (Europe), reefer containers (non-EU)

VOG leverages predictive analytics and AI-based logistics tools to optimize shipping timelines and reduce waste.

Target Market

VOG’s customer base includes:

• International supermarket chains and retail groups
• Wholesale produce distributors
• Importers specializing in fresh produce and club varieties
• Foodservice providers and hospitality groups
• Organic and specialty food markets

Its segmentation strategy tailors apple varieties, branding, and marketing campaigns to specific market needs and consumer demographics.

Capabilities

VOG’s integrated infrastructure and digital systems include:

• 12 cooperatives with automated grading and packing lines
• Cloud-based traceability from grower to point-of-sale
• Controlled atmosphere storage to preserve apple quality
• Proprietary sensory profiling for variety development
• Sustainability metrics and environmental impact monitoring

The organization continuously invests in agronomic R&D, digitalization, and renewable energy adoption.

Certifications and Compliance

VOG adheres to the most stringent certifications for food safety, environmental sustainability, and social responsibility:

• GLOBALG.A.P. and GRASP
• IFS Food and BRCGS
• EU Organic Certification
• ISO 9001 and ISO 14001
• SMETA (SEDEX) social audits

All apples are fully traceable and grown in compliance with EU phytosanitary and residue regulations.

Customer Testimonials

Retail and wholesale partners consistently commend VOG for:

• Consistent high-quality fruit across seasons
• Reliable logistics and short lead times
• Professional marketing and customer engagement
• Innovation in variety introduction and packaging

Club brands like Pink Lady®, Kanzi®, and Marlene® have cultivated strong loyalty among end consumers.

Major Achievements

• Launched the “Home of Apples” branding platform, unifying club and classic apple lines under a cohesive identity
• Expanded market presence to over 75 countries
• Leader in European club apple programs, with over a dozen exclusive brands
• Built the largest apple storage network in Italy
• Celebrated 80 years of cooperative innovation in 2025

VOG – Home of Apples continues to redefine apple marketing and cooperative excellence, leading Europe in quality, sustainability, and consumer-centric fruit innovation.