Mela Rossa Cuneo IGP is focusing on both Italian and European markets thanks to the high quality developed with the help of the positive weather throughout the season and especially of the temperature range during the pre-harvesting period.
Processing at the Sanifrutta facility
One of the companies that opted for this PGI red apple is Sanifrutta, located in Costigliole Saluzzo e Verzuolo in the Cuneo province and member of OP Joinfruit.
"The PGI mark is a guarantee of the origin of the produce, as well as the variety and cultivation technique. Piedmont apples have a huge potential, mostly unexpressed. After years in which we exported 80% of our apples overseas, the trend has changed and we are mostly exporting to Europe and have strengthened sales on the domestic territory as well," explains Alessio Chiabrando (in the photo), representative from the sales office.
During the 2020 campaign, Sanifrutta will collect around 45 thousand tons of around 65 thousand tons in total. The main varieties are the Gala group (of various types), Red Delicious, Fuji and Granny Smith.
"This fall, our production increased by 10-12% thanks also to the new orchards planted over the past 5 years. 50% of apple trees are of the Gala group. Red apples have found the ideal conditions in our area and are grown by around 150 companies at an altitude between 400 and 600 meters asl. The weather conditions in the weeks before harvesting exalted organoleptic qualities and color. Average grades are what we had envisaged in spring/summer," reports technical department manager Alex Tallone.
Fuji variety
Sanifrutta aims at promoting the PGI produce on the domestic and European market. "Sales overseas skyrocketed during lockdown in March, then demand increased also on the domestic and European markets," adds Chiabrando.
Alex Tallone in an MC38 CrimsonSnow orchard
The harvesting of MC38 CrimsonSnow is in full swing, a club variety grown in Piedmont by Sanifrutta and Rivoira Giovanni e Figli spa. "It is a high-performance variety and, this year, it has excellent color and Brix level," highlights Tallone.
Processing at the Sanifrutta facility
The processing facility is a short distance from the orchards, as growers are all located in the Saluzzo, Cuneo and Pinerolo area. Harvesting is only carried out only when apples are perfectly ripe, meaning there are two or more operations. Fruits are then pre-graded and packaged at the Sanifrutta facility.
MC38 CrimsonSnow orchard
"The strengths of this product are the crunchiness of the flesh, the sugar level, bright color and captivating packaging," concludes Chiabrando.
Contats 
Sanifrutta Soc. Agr. Cooperativa
Via dei Falchi 13
12024 Costigliole Saluzzo (CN)
Tel.: +39 0175 230061
Email: a.chiabrando@joinfruit.com
Email: a.tallone@sanifrutta.com
Website: www.sanifrutta.com