Maula, the first seedless black grapes in Europe, are reaching supermarkets shelves in Germany and Great Britain. The first harvesting operations took place in the covered vineyards located in Mola di Bari (Puglia). After being harvested and packaged, the produce was swiftly loaded onto trucks headed to the above-mentioned markets.
Harvesting of Maula grapes
Giacomo Suglia, president of Consorzio Nu.Va.U.T and administrator of Ermes, a company that dedicated 5 hectares to this variety and which is already planning on adding more, is very pleased with the results achieved so far.
"This is the first year, but operators are already looking interested. The first pallets have left destined to supermarkets in Germany and Great Britain. Two types of packaging are envisaged: 500 g paper bags and 500 g heat-sealed punnets, both then placed in 5 kg boxes."
Packaging options for Maula grapes
The Maula variety, also known for its distinct earliness, boasts crunchy grapes of a matte black color with a low acidity. Bunches weigh 800 g and are 30 cm long. The sugar level is 16° Brix.
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Twenty hectares have been planted in Puglia so far, though production has not started in all of them yet. Most vineyards are located in the Bari and Taranto provinces. Based on the interest shown by local producers, vineyards could exceed 80 hectares over the next two years.
Left to right: Michele Suglia and Giacomo Dipierro
The new production techniques and the investments made in innovative Retilplast cover solutions enabled us to bring harvesting forward and to achieve a considerable quality already during the first year. There were no phytosanitary problems (ie fungi)."
80% of the produce grown under PolyFilm-Plus nets has been harvested and packaged. The remaining part will be cut in 4-5 days' time. For all the other open fields, harvesting should start in around 10 days' time.
For further information:
Azienda Ermes
V.le A Dipierro, 2/4
70016 Noicattaro (Bari)
+39 335 697 3287
ordini@ermesfruit.com