"We are currently exporting 65% of our produce, while the remaining 35% is sold on the domestic market," explains Gerhanrd Eberhöfer, sales manager for Bio Val Venosta. "Fruit Logistica is important for organic fruit too, maybe even more than Nuremberg's BioFach."According to Eberhöfer, Germany, which is usually the reference market for organic produce, is increasing its domestic production of organic apples and producers tend to prefer local produce. "Although our market share is not increasing in Germany, we are doing well elsewhere, also thanks to the fact that we can supply produce for 12 months a year. This in turn meant some buyers chose us instead of South Africa, for example."
Bio Val Venosta is therefore among the leading organic apple producers in Italy and Europe both in terms of quality and quantity.
Stocks and sales
Organic apple stocks in January were 9% lower than the previous year, "but we must say that harvesting (around 25,000 tonnes) was already 6% lower than 2014."
Bio Val Venosta is therefore among the leading organic apple producers in Italy and Europe both in terms of quality and quantity.
Stocks and sales
Organic apple stocks in January were 9% lower than the previous year, "but we must say that harvesting (around 25,000 tonnes) was already 6% lower than 2014."
"Quality is very good - colour is excellent, also thanks to the perfect temperature that improved ripening."
The Gala campaign will end in mid-March and then the Pinova variety will be the protagonist until June with around 2,500 tonnes of fruit.
Golden Delicious is still the most cultivated variety, with crops covering almost 40% of the organic produce cultivated in the valley. Gala, Red Delicious and Fuji follow. Abroad, Braeburn, Pinova, Jonagold, Topaz and anzi® are more popular.
As regards prices, "although there was a lot of pressure, we are quite happy. Organic produce still presents a positive cost-profit ratio, mainly thanks to the fact that demand is increasing at a global level." The main sales channel is retail, with market shares varying between 60 and 100% in some countries.
BioGraphy project
For Mela Bio Val Venosta, providing consumers with information about quality and origin is essential, that is why the BioGraphy project was created. Each packet will bear the producer's name, so customers will be able to trace the origin of the fruit thanks to a specific website.
130 organic growers from Val Venosta share their experience and explain how a simple apple becomes a delicious Mela Bio Val Venosta!
The website is available in 3 languages. From the homepage, consumers can access the page of each single grower with its own photo gallery.
Bio Val VenostaVal Venosta, home of Mele Bio, extends from the highest peaks of the Ortles Alps to Merano. Uncontaminated nature, geology, height and the special microclimate are factors that contribute to producing apples of the highest quality, firm and juicy, which are still very tasty months after harvesting.
The perfect climate - with almost no hailstorms and perfect temperature - contributes to the high-quality organic production. 13 varieties are "Mela Alto Adige IGP".
Contacts:
VI.P Coop Soc. Agricola
Via Centrale 1/c
39021 Laces (BZ)
Web: www.vip.coop