Orchard
Almakúti manages 215 hectares of land, including 92 hectares planted with over 400,000 apple trees and 15 hectares dedicated to apricot varieties such as Perlecot, Ladycot, and Digap. Each year, we produce approximately 4.5 million kilograms of environmentally friendly apples. All trees are cultivated using certified, virus-free materials, ensuring consistent quality and long-term sustainability. In addition, we support the local community by allocating 70 hectares for use by an agricultural cooperative and preserving 53 hectares of forest and natural areas.
Soil and Climate
Located in the heart of Balaton-Felvidék National Park, Almakúti brings nature and agriculture into harmony. The fertile soil, rich in essential nutrients, combined with a mild climate and abundant sunshine, provides the perfect conditions for cultivating our apples.
These natural advantages result in apples of top European quality: flavorful, deeply colored, and high in sugar content. They are a true reflection of the unique environment in which they are grown. Thanks to their firm texture and robustness, our apples often remain fresh for up to four weeks, even outside of ULO (Ultra-Low Oxygen) storage.
Almakúti: Quality rooted in a unique environment.
Irrigation Systems
Almakúti uses modern irrigation systems that contribute to orchard development and sustainable water management. All plots are equipped with drip irrigation, ensuring efficient water use with minimal waste.
To counter night frost, we use innovative techniques such as low-flying helicopters to circulate warmer air downward. Additionally, smoke is used to create an insulating blanket that protects blossoms.
Five water reservoirs with a total capacity of 70,000 m³ collect rainwater. During dry periods, a 120-meter-deep well supplies up to 480 liters per minute, with an annual extraction limit of 30,000 m³. Regular water quality tests ensure safe and sustainable use. By combining technology with natural resources, we optimally support crop growth while respecting the environment.
Biodiversity: Flora and Fauna
At Almakúti, biodiversity is a core value. Our 130-hectare site, enclosed by a wildlife fence, offers much more than orchards and a nursery. The land includes reed-bordered water basins, willows, acacias, walnut trees, and various native vegetation, all contributing to ecological balance within our orchards.
Tall trees provide nesting grounds for birds of prey such as owls, buzzards, and kestrels, which help control rodent populations. Foxes serve a similar role. Songbirds including tits, finches, and sparrows are abundant, while summer brings swallows and bee-eaters. In winter, fieldfares feed on the remaining fruits.
Our water basins offer sanctuary to a variety of herons – grey, white, and purple – as well as protected duck species. We take special pride in the kingfishers that have made their home here. In our naturally lined water bodies, free of plastic liners, a rich aquatic ecosystem thrives, including fish, grass snakes, and freshwater mussels.
Among the fruit trees, we provide shelters for beneficial insects, such as bamboo tubes for earwigs, which help naturally control woolly apple aphids. These initiatives reflect our deep care for the environment and contribute to a healthy, sustainable ecosystem on our land.
Eco-Friendly
Cultivation
As a fruit farm located within a national park, Almakúti operates with full respect for nature. In close collaboration with park rangers, we ensure that soil, air, and water remain free of harmful substances. The use of crop protection products and synthetic fertilizers is strictly limited—we focus instead on organic fertilization and disease-resistant apple varieties. To support our commitment to sustainable practices, we regularly commission laboratory analyses from renowned institutions, ensuring both quality and transparency.
Residue-Free Cultivation
Residue-free cultivation means minimizing pesticide residues in our produce. At Almakúti, we have already reduced the residue level of storage apples to just 5% of the legally permitted limit, a unique achievement in the sector. By investing in resistant apple varieties, we aim to further reduce this figure, with the ultimate goal of fully residue-free production. This approach allows us to deliver our products worldwide, including to markets where organic certification is not yet required.
Protection from Hail and Sunburn
To protect our apples from hail damage, Almakúti has installed hail nets over 70% of the orchard (95 hectares), covering nearly the entire production area. Our strategy is to install nets immediately during replanting and expansion, with the ultimate goal of full coverage.
The black hail nets not only shield against hail but also provide protection against sunburn. By filtering 20–25% of UV radiation, they help the apples retain a uniform color. Although this delays ripening by around five days, it ensures optimal quality and appearance. This method allows us to consistently deliver high-quality produce regardless of weather conditions.
Innovation and Research
Almakúti collaborates closely with the universities of Budapest, Keszthely, and Debrecen to conduct ongoing research into new apple varieties and cultivation techniques. These studies focus on disease resistance, market suitability, and growth characteristics to continuously optimize apple production. In our trial orchard, we test new varieties for resilience, quality, and climate adaptability. We also develop innovative rootstocks and tree structures to improve cultivation efficiency. Our partnership with a botanical garden occasionally yields unexpected discoveries, such as forgotten heritage varieties or naturally occurring new cultivars.
