The harvest of the Duke variety of blueberries began ten days ago and production is expected to be good in terms of quantity. The spring frosts did not damage our blueberries, as they are grown at high altitude in sheltered areas in the province of Cuneo," explained Stefania Ponso for La Grande Bellezza Italiana (LGBI).
 |
 |
"The °Brix is 13-14 and the size is 16+ mm. These factors mark out our current production and are accompanied by a high crunchiness, which is exactly what characterizes a good blueberry."
These qualities are also demanded by the large-scale retail trade, which, however, also looks at another parameter. "Shelf life is just as important for the retailer. Thanks to dry weather conditions and significant changes in temperature between day and night, we have not had any attacks of fungal diseases, which are two important characteristics for guaranteeing more than 6 to 8 days of temperature-controlled storage."
In addition to large-scale distribution and Italian markets, LGBI blueberries have also been requested abroad, in Germany and other European countries. "We are able to meet different format requests, although the 125- and 250-gram trays are the most popular. With regard to packaging materials, cardboard or recyclable plastic packaging is meeting the needs of eco-friendly consumers, and the trend continues to grow," continued Stefania Ponso.
Thanks to its farmers, La Grande Bellezza Italiana is not only actively producing, but is also engaged in testing new varieties to complement the most popular ones, but with maturation shifted towards the months of August and September in order to provide continuity of supply even at the end of the summer.
"Consumption is increasing and demand is becoming more seasonal. The blueberry is one of our flagship products, and that's why we try to work ahead of market trends, not in pursuit of them," concluded Stefania Ponso.
For more information:
La Grande Bellezza Italiana
Rete di imprese
C.so Milano 36/A – 37138 Verona
segreteria@lagrandebellezzaitaliana.it
www.lagrandebellezzaitaliana.it