DOSK, AFG and World Wide Fruit join forces with VOG and VIP to bolster European production of the game changer apple. The new partnerships will guarantee the strategic growth of CosmicCrisp® in the premium segment and optimal coverage of the European markets.
BERLIN, 4 February 2026 – Capitalising on the success of recent years, which has seen it break the mould to establish itself as a genuine game changer in the apple sector, the Cosmic Crisp® has now embarked on a new development phase in Europe. Alongside the VOG and VIPConsortiums, the first to bring the apple to Europe, the project now expands to include three leading industry organisations as licensing partners.
The new partners are DOSK -Deutsches Obst-Sorten Konsortium, consisting of Elbe Obst and Obst vom Bodensee, in Germany; AFG – Austria Fruit Group in Austria and WFL – World Wide Fruit Ltd. in the UK. This new development was officially announced on 4 February during Fruit Logistica 2026.
Expanding the European network of Cosmic Crisp® will make it possible to strengthen its brand presence in the premium segment, take advantage of synergies, and guarantee the strategic growth of production aimed at the Europe market. The market will benefit from excellent coverage thanks to the combination of local products -from Germany, Austria and the UK – with the produce of South Tyrol – Südtirol, which will remain the cornerstone of the project.
Italy will also continue to coordinate and manage the European network via alpoma, the PO that includes VOG and VIP.
“When we decided to bring Cosmic Crisp® to Europe, we immediately understood the potential of this apple,” explained Walter Pardatscher, CEO of alpoma.
“Thanks to its unique flavour and brand identity, it was able to rewrite the rules of the game in different European countries, firmly establishing itself in the premium category. With the addition of quality partners like DOSK,
AFG and World Wide Fruit, we are ready to consolidate and ramp up the development of this
incredible project with even greater conviction.”
“Our new partners bring to the table excellent local growing conditions and in-depth apple
marketing experience in the premium segment,” added Clemens Hafner, Branding Manager at
alpoma.
“Thanks to their contribution, Cosmic Crisp® will be able to grow beyond the borders of
South Tyrol – Südtirol and become a coordinated brand project at European level, with commonstandards and objectives.”
Andreas Berg, Managing Director of Deutsches Obst-Sorten-Konsortium GmbH, is equally
optimistic about the future of the project:
“We, DOSK and its shareholders, have decided to get involved in the Cosmic Crisp project because we are convinced that we can provide retailers with value-adding product range components in addition to basic supplies, and of course also with the promise of unique quality.”
“We believe the future belongs to apple varieties with outstanding taste and consistency,”
added Roland Rosenzopf, Managing Director of AFG GmbH.
“This is why we invest in Cosmic Crisp®, a premium club variety offering exceptional flavor, high quality, excellent storage and strong consumer recognition, supported by a well-structured club system that creates value along the entire supply chain. It’s not just a product, but a future-oriented concept that aligns perfectly with AFG’s philosophy.”
“We’re excited to partner in developing Cosmic Crisp in Europe ,” commented Tony Harding,
Technical and Procurement Director at World Wide Fruit Limited. “Years of trials have delivered
very encouraging results: our climate naturally produces slightly smaller apples with exceptional flavor, rich color, and excellent storage.
We’ve also tested our market and customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. We look forward to developing this exceptional variety together.”
Germany, Austria and the United Kingdom are not the only European countries involved in the
development projects of the Cosmic Crisp® network: partners in France, Benelux
and Switzerland are testing the variety with the aim of beginning production in the next few years.
alpoma
The alpoma APO, together with its member organisations VOG, VIP and VOG Products, represents a production volume of around one million tonnes of apples, grown by more than 6,000 producers over an area of approximately 18,000 hectares.
alpoma contributes to the achievement of common goals for the development of the South Tyrolean apple-growing sector, focusing on three strategic areas: the identification and management of new varieties, research and development, and environmental
measures.
In these sectors, the three producer organisations collaborate in synergy. The name alpoma was chosen as a reference to the local area – the Italian alps – and to the main product of the organisation’s members – poma, apples.
DOSK – Deutsches Obst-Sorten Konsortium GmbH
Deutsches Obst-Sorten Konsortium GmbH (DOSK) is an association of eight German producer organizations with a joint sales volume of more than 500,000 tons of fruit. The DOSK aims to introduce and establish product innovations to the German fruit market.
To achieve this, the DOSK is granted cultivation and distribution rights to new or interesting fruit varieties. The varieties are produced by the growers who are members of DOSK. A joint marketing concept is used to introduce them to the German market. The DOSK establishes international contacts with suppliers of innovative fruit varieties for cultivation in Germany.
AFG – Austrian Fruit Group was founded in 2018 and is based in Ludersdorf-Wilfersdorf, Austria. It was created as a strategic alliance for marketing licensed apple club varieties, bringing together leading producer organizations and marketing companies from Styria. AFG is owned by OPST Obst Partner Steiermark GmbH, EOS – Erzeugergemeinschaft Obst Steiermark GmbH and F. Kröpfl Obsthandelsgesellschaft mbH. AFG coordinates premium apple club cultivation on about 250 hectares with around 150 Styrian farms producing roughly 12,000 tons annually. With 25 additional hectares of Cosmic Crisp®, AFG is strengthening its position in the premium apple segment. It ensures consistent
quality, reliable volumes, and a market-focused approach.
World Wide Fruit Limited
Founded in 1999, Worldwide Fruit Limited is jointly owned by Fruition PO and T&G Global. A leading supplier to the UK market, Worldwide Fruit sources and supplies apples, pears, avocados and stone fruit. The company employs around 450 people, with its head office and main packing facility in Spalding, Lincolnshire, a centre of excellence for packing, ripening and distribution. The business is committed to responsible global sourcing and works with over 100 suppliers across approximately 30 countries. Worldwide Fruit also focuses on brand development and distinctive varietal offerings, supporting customers and growers through innovation and strategic category leadership.
