Interview with Sonja Matzneller

RICH VARIETY

Interview with Sonja Matzneller

Varied, intriguing, rich in nuances: no fruit has as many varieties as the apple. Every apple has its own unique flavour profile: some are firm and sweet, others are tart and crunchy. Here I’m going to tell you all about what lies behind the rich variety of Marlene®.

But first I want to introduce myself.

#thisisme

My name is Sonja Matzneller and I became a fruit grower out of choice. Tell the truth: you thought I would be a bit older and a bit less modern? That I had become a fruit grower by chance? Perhaps that’s the way things used to be. I trained to be able to do my job and it was a conscious choice. In this way I am able to combine my passion for nature and agricultural products. At the end of the working day I am often tired but I can see the fruits of my labour. Also, I hardly ever get bored at work because every day is different.

#myworkplace

My company is in Termeno, a small town on the Strada del Vino, in the southern part of South Tyrol. Tour guides describe my hometown as rural, Mediterranean and very picturesque. I can confirm: it is a real pleasure to live and work here.

#myfavourite

I cannot imagine Termeno without its fruits; it is an essential part of our way of life here. Numerous varieties prosper in my orchards: besides the Gala, there is also Red Delicious, Granny Smith and the club apples Pink Lady® and RedPop®. Personally, I adore Gala apples because they are sweet and juicy, but what I love most is having a choice.

#diversity

We Marlene® growers work hard every day to maintain the different varieties of apple. In this way we guarantee the diversity of the orchards in South Tyrol. Nevertheless, before choosing a new variety we have to consider multiple factors.

#whathowwhenwhy

The characteristics of the land, the position and the ideal harvest time are important aspects in the choice of a variety – without forgetting the tastes of customers. Tastes differ, as we all know. Thanks to our rich assortment of varieties we have the right apple to suit all tastes, whether sweet, tart, crunchy or particularly juicy. Cultivating different apple varieties also has benefits for my company.

#themostimportantthing

As the various varieties mature between mid-August and mid-November, I can more easily divide up the work during harvest, a time in which everyone lends a hand: relatives, friends and harvest workers. After all, a good harvest carried out at the right time is the real key to obtaining a fruit of highest quality.

#togetherforthecommongood

In my case, the apple didn’t fall far from the tree, as the proverb goes. I have been helping my family with the farm work since I could walk - ok, maybe slightly later. In the meantime, I have become my own boss and I usually plan my working day during breakfast. I take careful note of the most important jobs so I don’t forget anything and can guarantee the utmost quality.

#everythingundercontrol

In order to keep the various jobs closely monitored, in the evening I conscientiously and accurately record my daily activities in the orchard register. In this way, if necessary I can carefully follow every phase of the work.

#freetime

How do I spend my free time? Immersed in nature, of course! To relax I like to go on walks or excursions. If I have time, I love to play my Styrian accordion.