These promotional activities are essential to reach both buyers and consumers. The latter are also represented by primary school children, for which guided tours and activities are organised and gadgets are developed (colouring brochures, pencils, rulers, bookmarks, caps).
"We hope these initiatives will help promote Pgi red apples from Cuneo, especially to retailers. Quantities seem to be increasing with regards to the current 18 thousand quintals," reports Domenico Sacchetto, president of OP Asprofrut Piemonte in Lagnasco (CN) and of Consorzio per la valorizzazione della Mela Rossa Cuneo Igp.
The production of potentially-Pgi apples is increasing. We commercialise produce all over the world, but very little in Italy, where the Pgi mark is actually relevant. Over the past year, the area dedicated to red apple cultivation has increased by 700-800 hectares, especially for the Gala group.
Domenico Sacchetto
This year, blossoming has been scarce especially for Red Delicious, which will affect grades and production, estimated at -20/30% for some orchards. At the moment, technicians still cannot provide a reason for this drop, which was indeed expected but not as much.
"Blossoming is at least 20 days early and we are hoping that 1) temperatures will not drop and 2) not to overlap with peaches from the south which are late!"
Contacts:
Piemonte Asprofrut
Via Praetta 2
12030 Lagnasco (CN)
Tel.: +39 0175 282311
Fax: +39 0175 282320
Email: info@asprofrut.com
Web: www.asprofrut.com