Quality certifications

Since 2004, Les Calades is certified EUREPGAP and since 2007 GLOBALGAP; the BRC certification has been relatively new for the packing house.

globalgap_product_logo_320x210.jpg_1162732030                                         BRC

Apple is a delicate fruit which requires a slow and delicate handling. Our apples are harvested by hand, taking care of not knocking them.

Then in the packing house, apples are bathed in clear water in order to avoid any shock before packing.

The harvest time begins in August and ends in November, with some change every year because of the weather conditions… It needs about 50 employees during this 5-month season.

Demanding methods

With respect to our environment, defending taste and quality, Les Calades guarantee the main points of the certifications specifications, especially:

  • Yield limitation in having an appropriate pruning and a hand thinning: we count the exact apples number on each tree before thinning and after it to regulate the trees volumes.
  • A production in « incorporated struggle » is done in the orchards in order to minimize the treatments and not use any noxious goods.
  • The annual input of organic fertiliser in winter.
  • The use of alternative methods against predators, like the system ALT’CARPO or the « sexual confusion » which are set in order to limit the bugs’ harmful impact on apples.
  • The grass in every orchard rows to limit the ground erosion phenomenon and the respect of our water-tables.
  • Accuracy of the geographic localization of each of our plot.
  • The fruit harvest is well determined according only to fruit ripeness.
  • Using after-harvest chemical products is purely forbidden.
  • A high natural quality taste is purely respected (sugar rate and acid guarantees)
  • Apples must be stocked in cold rooms for a maximum 24h after their harvest: regular controls on temperature avoid bad changes on apples quality and ease the mass preservation.
  • Each batch after harvest is registered on software enabling a very good traceability, from the tree to the consumer.
  • The packing, the labels on every apple, the orders preparation are done by skilled and attentive people.