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Unity is strength.
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Our history

There is a long tradition of fruit growing in South Tyrol - Südtirol. As early as the 16th century, couriers transported fresh fruit and preserves along the Etschtal Valley to the Austrian and Russian courts. The opening of the Brenner railway in 1867 provided a triumphant entry into Europe. Following an increase in sales, the first fruit cooperative was founded in Lagundo in 1893, which was soon followed by many others. Not even the Second World War was able to halt the success of fruit produced in South Tyrol - Südtirol. On 24 August 1945, embracing the motto ‘Unity is strength’, many cooperatives formed a new consortium.

This was how VOG, the Consortium of South Tyrolean Fruit Growers’ Cooperatives, was founded.

From the initial 9 cooperatives, it quickly grew into the largest apple marketing organisation in all of Europe, currently comprising 11 cooperatives. This includes 4,600 producers who, in an area of around 10,900 hectares, harvest between 550,000 and 600,000 tonnes of top-quality, excellent-tasting fruit.

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1893
In the spring of 1893, preparations began for the founding of the first fruit cooperative based in Algund (today's coop.Pomus). In August of the same year, the founding contracts were officially signed.
1945
1945
Europe in ruins, lost markets, growing competition – the South Tyrolean fruit-growing industry seeks success in uniting. The Association of South Tyrolean Fruit Growers (VOG) is founded.
1957
1957
South Tyrol is hit by the ‘mother of all frost nights’. After a frost-related crop failure, VOG is unable to supply all its customers. The use of irrigation for frost protection experiences a breakthrough.
1959
1959
The EEC Treaty comes into force. The abolition of customs duties and quantitative restrictions on the import and export of goods, the introduction of a common agricultural policy and protection against product adulteration open up new prospects for the fruit industry.
1960
1960
In autumn 1960, the first long-term storage cells were installed at the CAFA Merano fruit cooperative. This made it possible to sell South Tyrolean apples all year round.
1967
1967
The founding act of the fruit processing company VOG Products is signed. With this, the farmers take the marketing of processed fruit into their own hands and no longer depend on private companies.
1968
1968
The recognition of VOG as a producer organisation opens up new possibilities: as a producer organisation, the association gains new powers according to the EU and can count on both state and European funding.
1970
1970
The first 6,000 wooden bins are being used in the VOG area. The bins, which have been made of plastic for many years now, are still in use today for harvesting table fruit.
1971
1971
The establishment of the VOG brand is the cornerstone of our marketing activities. For customers and consumers, the brand is both a designation of origin and a guarantee of quality.
1976
1976
The South Tyrolean trademark is created. The introduction of standardised packaging with a trademark and South Tyrolean lettering creates the conditions for product-related advertising.
1982
1982
The Sigmundskron cooperative has launched the first sorting facility in the VOG region. This innovative facility will significantly increase the efficiency and quality of apple sorting, marking a crucial step in the development of South Tyrol's fruit industry. It will enable more precise classification of apples and better adaptability to market demands.
1988
1988
The ‘Workgroup for Integrated Fruit Production in South Tyrol’ (AGRIOS) is founded: the progressive and guaranteed natural fruit growing method of ‘integrated production’ is quickly becoming the standard throughout South Tyrol.
1995
1995
VOG is introducing the Marlene® private label to the general public. The development of the brand is a success story – today, Marlene® apples are available in over 25 countries worldwide.
1997
1997
The Italian Association of Apple Producers (Assomela) is founded. Assomela's task is to represent the interests of the Italian apple industry in public institutions and at the political level. VOG is one of the founding members of the national organisation.
1998
1998
The contract for the marketing of the first contract variety, Cripps Pink (trademarked as Pink Lady®), is signed. This marks the beginning of cooperation on other contractually managed varieties. Meanwhile, around a dozen other branded apples have been added to the VOG product portfolio: Kanzi®, envy™, yello®, Jazz™, Evelina®, Crimson Snow®, Joya®, SweeTango®, Cosmic Crisp®, RedPop® and Giga®.
2000
2000
The South Tyrolean Apple Consortium (SAK) is founded: as a protective consortium, the SAK looks after the overarching interests of the entire South Tyrolean apple sector.

2001
2001
The South Tyrolean Quality Control (SQK) is founded for the standardised and transparent control of agricultural products. SQK is officially accredited as a competent, independent and objective control and certification authority for apples.
2002
2002
The Variety Innovation Consortium South Tyrol is founded for the research and development of new apple varieties. On behalf of the South Tyrolean apple industry, it is on the lookout for new apple varieties worldwide.
2006
2006
The new South Tyrolean brand with the addition ‘IGP’ is presented. 13 apple varieties grown in South Tyrol are allowed to bear the ‘Protected Geographical Indication’ seal of quality and indicate their South Tyrolean origin with a revised brand featuring a ladybird.
2020
2020
The sustainability strategy of the South Tyrolean fruit industry, sustainapple, is launched. VOG is part of the strategy together with other relevant institutions in the South Tyrolean fruit industry.
2021
2021
The apple brands Cosmic Crisp®, RedPop® and Giga® are introduced. The new trio of apples is currently the last addition to the diverse VOG assortment.
2022
2022
The VOG corporate identity is getting a makeover: from now on, VOG will present itself to all partners as ‘Home of apples’.