"Apple orchards are increasing, especially in Russian satellite countries. They have been attending Interpoma for years to learn how to improve their productions. It is a chance for our companies to export know-how and technologies. What is more, consumers are changing - for example, nobody buys 3 kg formats anymore and snack apples are increasingly popular," explains Walter Guerra from the Laimburg Agriculture and Forestry Experimental Centre.
The 2014 edition of Interpoma.
"While to us apples are mass products, there are markets. such as the Asian one, where they are relatively unknown and where we could introduce them as a luxury or exotic product. What is also exciting is the fact that 5/6 new varieties will also be presented. Not to mention red-fleshed apples. According to a survey, 85% of Italians claims not being familiar with them, but willing to try. There is still a lot to be done, but we are working to make it a reference product. It will also be interesting to see other varieties, such as those with a low allergen content."
Left: Walter Guerra, Fruit cultivation manager at Laimburg. Right: Thomas Mur, director of Fiera Bolzano.
The 2016 edition will also host the "La mela nel mondo" international congress". On November 24th, discussions will focus on changes in the apple market, the evolution of Alto Adige productions, sustainability and the current drop in apple consumption.
Watch the video presenting the 2016 edition of Interpoma.
On the 25th, discussions will focus on the factors influencing purchasing patterns, the importance of colour, grade, flavour, compactness and price, consumer expectations and processed products.
The last day will focus on what is new in the science, research and technical worlds concerning nursery gardens, cultivation systems, irrigation and drones.
A video on the 2014 edition of Interpoma.
As well as the fair, a series of events under the "BZ loves apples" title has also been organised to involve the city of Bolzano - Red Delicious Night, Pink Lady on the roof and apple based menus in bars and restaurants.
A moment during the 2014 edition of Interpoma.
An Interpoma Innovation Camp has also been set up. It is a workshop in which selected companies, young talents, experts and start-ups will be divided into teams to analyse different topics - orchards, cultivation, logistics, processing and markets. All concepts will be turned into possible prototypes and presented to a jury and the press.