The new objective is to promote Pgi red apples from Cuneo on a domestic level

To promote local products, Assortofrutta and its associates - among which there are the Mela Rossa Cuneo Igp and della Castagna Cuneo Igp consortia, as well as the main POs in Piedmont - will take part in the main fairs in the sector, such as the international Fruit Logistica and Fruit Attraction, the domestic Fiera nazionale del Marrone, Fruttinfiore and Macfrut, and the local Tuttomele. All these initiatives are supported by the contribution of Regione Piemonte issued as part of PSR 2014-2020, Misura 3 operazione 3.2.1.

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.

The 2016/17 Gala commercialisation went very well, while Red Delicious did not do as good. Reference markets such as Brazil ended at Christmas while demand in the Arab Emirates, India and Egypt is below expectations. What is more, demand is slow in Europe. Nonetheless, stocks will finish in late-April.

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