Italy: Harvesting of Fuji apples starts at MelaPiu'

An overall harvest of approximately 17,000 tons, slightly lower than last year: this is the 2017/2018 estimate for MelaPiù Fuji apples. The consortium gathers six leading producers in Emilia Romagna (Afe, Apo Conerpo, Cico, Minguzzi, Patfrut and Pempacorer).

"The campaign has just started and is looking good. We expect our apples to reach the entire national territory and the tables of consumers, restaurants and hotels everywhere. The first volumes (of high quality, without peel defects and perfectly juicy) have been reaching distributors since 29th September," explains MelaPiù President Gianmauro Bergamini.

Gianmauro Bergamini, President of Consorzio MelaPiù

This year, harvesting started one week early, in line with the early blossoming in spring. The over 500 hectares in Emilia-Romagna (Ferrara, Ravenna, Forlì-Cesena and Bologna provinces) are producing quantities in line with previous years and are of excellent quality.

"The high summer temperatures and lack of rain contributed to the growth of healthy sweet apples. Harvesting started one week earlier than in previous years and will continue for another two weeks. The dropping night-time temperatures of the past few days (with temperature fluctuations of 10-12 degrees) are ideal for colour. Grades are excellent as well, as they are 80mm+ for over 60% of the fruit," adds agronomist and MelaPiù consultant, Michele Mariani.

For further information:
http://www.melapiu.com
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