BLOOM FRESH™, specializing in the breeding of table grapes, cherries and raisins, conducted its first-ever table grape Open Day in Ica, Peru in early January. More than 80 growers and licensees attended the event, where some unique and popular table grape varietals from the company’s portfolio were on display for tasting.
BLOOM FRESH CEO Kenneth Avery, chief innovation officer Josep Estiarte, global R&D/regional technical manager EMEA-AUS Dr. Pietro Scafidi and the Peruvian commercial, technical and quality teams at the Peruvian Open Day.
Peru is an essential market for BLOOM FRESH and the table grape industry, as the country is one of the most prolific grape-producing regions in the world. In the past decade, Peru was one of the first countries in the southern hemisphere to switch from traditional table grapes to licensed or patented varieties, which are not only more in demand because of their desirable attributes for consumers but also because they have a positive effect on production, with better yields, according to PROVID.
Demonstrating its portfolio of table grape varietals, the company showcased patented table grape favorites such as Bebop™, Ivory™ and Candy Hearts™, garnering enthusiastic comments for their overall fruit quality. The mint-inspired Julep™ variety was a favorite for its exotic flavor with hints of eucalyptus and cinnamon. Sweet Globe™ table grapes were the top exported table grape variety this season, making up 23 percent of the exports. The company’s varieties represented over 60 percent of the grapes shipped in the 2023-2024 season.
The company's table grape varieties on display for licensee tasting and feedback.
During the event, growers were introduced to the new CEO of BLOOM FRESH, Kenneth Avery. Additionally, chief innovation officer Josep Etiarte and the company’s team members, including Dr. Pietro Scafidi, Sebastian Diaz and others were on hand to provide licensees with up-to-date information on growing techniques to ensure consumers receive high-quality fruit. The presentations also included information regarding the automation of BLOOM FRESH’s systems and data collection methods to can support licensees throughout the season.
The company’s personnel discussed their research efforts in developing varieties with tolerance for fungi such as powdery mildew and downy mildew to ensure that growers can produce healthy crops. Thirteen table grape varieties were presented for attendees to view and taste, providing feedback to fuel the company’s R&D program.
“Peru is such an important market for us and being here for the first time since our company officially became BLOOM FRESH is very exciting,” said Avery. “We enjoyed meeting with all the licensed growers and understanding the opportunities and challenges they face so that we can provide the necessary support both on the ground and in our breeding efforts to ensure their success.”
For more information:
Tamara Baker
BLOOM FRESH
Tel: +1 (661) 345 7580
tamara.baker@bloomfreshglobal.com
https://bloomfreshglobal.com/