Millerandaging consists in eliminating underdeveloped grapes from bunches by hand in order to obtain a uniform product that looks better and has a longer shelf-life.
"It is the most delicate phase, that transforms our produce into extra quality grapes. It is a very delicate operation, that's why we prefer women to do it," explains Lorenzo Diomede, owner of the company.
Apoc Salerno, of which Lo.Di is a member, helps with financial contributions. "We are part of the PO since 2012 and we have really seen the difference, especially concerning millerandage, as it is quite a costly operation."
"One can no longer do things alone. My advice to producers is to become a member or establish an association. POs are the only way to be successful, especially in case of natural disasters, because they can act as intermediaries with institutions."
"We are expecting to start the campaign with Victoria grapes in mid-July and then we will continue until December with Italia, Red Globe, Crimson and Palieri. Volumes should be lower than last year and so will quotations. We cannot understand why though, it could be the crisis or the overlapping of produce from Egypt, Morocco and Spain."
The company covers Italia and Victoria with films. "This year, we have also grown Crimson. In addition, we will widen the range of table grapes, as we will buy other varieties from third party producers."
The company covers Italia and Victoria with films. "This year, we have also grown Crimson. In addition, we will widen the range of table grapes, as we will buy other varieties from third party producers."
Spain and Greece are the main competitors. "Greece will start with Victoria and seedless grapes this week. Final clients always look at the cheaper produce, but ours is of better quality. I can assure you that our extra quality will not disappoint buyers."
The bad weather of the last 15 days caused a serious fungus infection in Apulia. The biggest damage is on grafts, which will need to be cut again so plants can grow, so there's the risk that time schedules won't be met. Because of downy mildew, the region is expected to produce 15-20% less produce.
Companies like Lo.Di., where vineyards are covered with films (financed by Apoc Salerno), were not affected. "Results were excellent and reassuring, as there were no signs of diseases," explains Oronzo Diomede, plant treatment manager.
Companies like Lo.Di., where vineyards are covered with films (financed by Apoc Salerno), were not affected. "Results were excellent and reassuring, as there were no signs of diseases," explains Oronzo Diomede, plant treatment manager.
Markets
Az. Agricola Lo.Di. is a leader in the table grapes sector and has been available on the markets since 1982. It exports mainly to US, Canada, Russia, Germany, Belgium, France and Poland and, as of this year, it will also be available in Italy. Last year, some tests were carried out in Singapore, and the destination is also confirmed for 2014, with bigger quantities.
"The only problem we could have had was with Russia, because of the credit, but we have always required early payments. As for US and Canada, we have a trusted agent."
"This year too characteristics are ideal for the most demanding markets like Belgium - they pay well but they want big and uniform grapes, in crates with six or seven bunches weighing between 6 and 7.2 kg."
Contacts:
Lorenzo Diomede - Owner
Az. Agricola Lo.Di.
S.P. 240 Km. 14 Zona Industriale
70018 Rutigliano (BA)
Tel.: +39 080 4767326
Cell.: +39 340 2203352 (for English)
Cell.2: +39 3312227114 (for English)
Fax: +39 080 4778175
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.agrilodi.com
Skype: agrilodi
Rosario Ferrara - Coordinator
APOC SALERNO
Via R. Wagner K1 (P.co Arbostella)
84131 Salerno
Tel.: +39 (0)89 331758
Cell.: +39 331 2663528
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.apocsalerno.it
