EU apple campaign spotlights five varieties in Colombia

Apple Day in Colombia is being used to promote five European apple varieties and highlight the EU’s role in the country’s apple imports. The campaign comes as EU shipments to Colombia rose in the first half of 2026 and as European harvests are forecast at 9.5 million tonnes this year.

Why it matters: - Apples from the European Union account for a meaningful share of Colombia’s imports, giving shoppers more choice in flavor, texture and cooking use. - The campaign aims to connect Colombian consumers with the diversity of European apples and the production standards behind them. - EU apples sold in Colombia are produced under common EU food-market rules that include traceability through the supply chain.

What happened: - Apple Day was marked in Colombia on October 22, 2026. - The campaign "Have an apple day! Get to know high quality apples from EU" is promoting five varieties grown in European orchards: Gala, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Red Jonaprince and Idared. - The campaign is co-funded by the European Union. - More information about the campaign is available here.

The details: - WAPA forecasts put apple production in the European Union’s main producing countries at about 9.5 million tonnes in 2026. - Poland remains the EU’s largest producer, with an expected harvest of about 2.7 million tonnes. - WAPA says Golden Delicious is the most widely produced of the five promoted varieties in the EU, at about 1.8 million tonnes. - WAPA says Gala follows at about 1.4 million tonnes. - Gala is described as crisp and juicy, with subtle hints of honey, and suited to fresh eating and desserts. - Golden Delicious is described as gently sweet with a delicate aroma, making it a fit for baking and salads. - Red Delicious is identified by its deep red skin and sweet flavor. - Red Jonaprince balances sweetness and tartness and works well in both sweet and savory dishes. - Idared is crisp, juicy and slightly tart, making it suitable for baking and preserves. - Freshfel Europe says Colombia imported about 116,800 tonnes of fresh apples in 2025. - European Commission data show EU apple exports to Colombia reached about 23,200 tonnes in 2025, or nearly 20% of Colombia’s total apple imports. - European Commission data show EU apple exports to Colombia totaled about 7,700 tonnes in the first half of 2026, roughly 75% more than in the same period of 2025. - Apples imported from the European Union into Colombia are produced under common EU rules covering production and placement on the food market. - Traceability in the EU system allows products to be tracked through the food supply chain.

Between the lines: - The campaign is pairing consumer education with trade data to position EU apples as both a quality product and a reliable import source for Colombia. - The variety focus suggests the market pitch is less about volume alone and more about differentiated uses, from snacking to baking and preserves. - The rising first-half 2026 export figure suggests continued demand for EU apples in Colombia, even as annual 2026 totals are still unfolding.

What's next: - The promotional effort is likely to keep emphasizing variety, culinary uses and food-supply transparency as it reaches Colombian consumers. - EU apple export trends to Colombia will become clearer as 2026 trade data continue to accumulate. - Consumer awareness of the five promoted varieties may grow as the campaign circulates through media and social channels.