The Italian grape season is about to begin again at the Staay Food Group in the Netherlands. "Our growers are expecting a good season. Volumes should be 10-15% than last season, which was already good. This week (23), we begin with the first beautiful Black Magic and Victoria grapes from Sicily. From week 25/26, the supply of the same varieties from Puglia starts. Two weeks later, the first seedless varieties follow," says Sander Rutten.
"Our Italian grapes will, again, be available under our three well-known brands - Didonna, Supreme, and our premium label, NERO Premium. This label's reserved for quality grapes from small-scale growers whim we personally selected. These family farms are all located in Puglia/Taranto, in the Rutigliano/Polignano region."
"We get these top-quality grapes three to four times a week. These come in four and five kg and 4x1 kg packaging. This year, for the first time, they'll also come in Nero Premium 7kg packaging. Programs also allow for 10x500g or 10x1kg trays," says Sander, who's responsible for buying and selling the NERO premium grapes.
Didonna partner
"Our clients are also assured of volumes thanks to our Didonna grower's supply. That's one of Puglia's main grape suppliers. Didonna grows a wide range of quality grapes for Staay Food Group. That's under the Didonna and Supreme brands. We offer these grapes in 7kg wooden crates, 5kg boxes, and EPS. Again, 500g or 1kg packages are possible. As are other specific requests," says Koos Nap, who liaises with Didonna.
New varieties
This season, Staay is offering these four varieties for the first time.
- Melissa Seedless
A L to XL grape, with a rich yellow color and distinctive musky flavor (from week 41) - Arra one XL Wit Seedless
A crisp, sweet grape, from week 32 - Autumn King XXXL Wit Seedless
A crisp, sweet, very large grape, from week 36/37 - Autumn Pearl XL Rood Seedless
A large grape with large bunches (like Red Globe) from week 38/39
"We work with different specialists and have a broad variety assortment. Thanks to that, we can offer top quality and high volumes until the end of November. That's for seeded and seedless white, red, and black grapes," the two men conclude.
For more information:
Staay Food Group
Sander Rutten (NERO Premium)
Tel: +31 (0) 773 896 640
Email: Sander.rutten@staay-vanrijn.nl
Koos Nap (Didonna, Supreme)
Tel: +31 (0) 180 679 132
Email: koos.nap@staay-hispa.nl