In 2018, Val Venosta should harvest 300,000 apples in total (traditional and organic product). After a few years characterized by underproduction due to adverse weather events, harvesting at VI.P, the association of cooperatives in Val Venosta, returns to the norm even though changes in the varieties cultivated and the growth of the organic segment have modified the quantities of single varieties.
"As regards the traditional produce, this year we have harvested little over 268 thousand tons. Golden is the leading variety with 177 thousand tons, slightly below 2016 and considerably below previous record years. Quality is very good due to cold nights in September, which contributed to crunchy apples with a good color," explains VI.P sales manager Fabio Zanesco (in the photo).
"Red Delicious is the second variety with around 40 thousand tons, an average figure. The same can be said of the almost 20 thousand tons of Gala we stored in summer, 30% of which we have already sold. Color is very good, so our apples in appealing in all domestic and international markets."
"In this first phase of the commercial season, the market is not very dynamic, but the quality of the produce stocked makes us hopeful for the next few months. We will work with Pinova from the end of January with 11,600 tons, in line with expectation and above past volumes thanks to new orchards."
"As regards the new varieties, we have significantly increased the volumes of Kanzi®, Ambrosia™ and Envy™ thanks to new orchards. We are working with our partners to guarantee a suitable positioning for these new products through specific promotion programs. Volumes will be entirely managed by our cooperatives over the next 10 months and we are currently finishing planning the commercial campaign."
"When it comes to the organic produce, this year we will reach 27,000 net tons for the first time. The increasing trend will definitely be confirmed over the next few years, as we will reach 1,000 hectares in 2021 thanks to the orchards currently being converted. The expansion of our client portfolio and of the countries supplied was already underway in the past season despite the lower volumes caused by the spring frost."
Val Venosta organic sales manager Gerhard Eberhöfer(in the photo above) stressed how harvesting has been exceptional. "Bio Val Venosta is once again able to supply clients 12 months a year: an essential strategic objective that confirms our role as a reliable player with a high-quality product and a top-level service both in Italy and abroad."
"Intrinsic quality is excellent and flavor is exceptional, there is only some russeting on Golden and Pinova apples. Gala has now become the leading variety in the organic segment, followed by Golden Delicious, Pinova, Red Delicious, Braeburn and Fuji".
"As for new varieties, Ambrosia™ Bio will be sold until mid-January. Between early 2019 and May, the new Bonita Bio will make its debut. It is a crossbred between Topaz and Cripps Pink. Around 1,000 tons of Kanzi® Bio will be available this year, which will be sold until April 2019."
"From a commercial point of view, the start of the 2018/19 season wasn't one of the best for mainly two reasons: high temperatures in October and the good availability of regional products. However exchanges will pick up in January. Our goal is to increase the visibility of organic apples so consumers can immediately make a choice between different varieties and types of cultivation. It's the only way to grow in the organic segment together with our clients and to create new market spaces."