The blueberry harvest began a little over two weeks ago in the province of Cuneo in Italy's Piedmont region, and the balance so far is quite positive. Giuseppe Ribotta, founder of the Ribotta Group, an agricultural cooperative based in Revello since its founding in 2014, is assessing the situation. The cooperative is focused on producing and marketing small fruits.
"We started around 5 or 6 June," Ribotta explains (pictured below), "with a delay of a few days compared to average, but nearly on schedule. The blueberries are of excellent quality and have a long shelf life, thanks to favorable weather conditions consisting of abundant but early rains, which favored the development of the fruit, followed by warm days and cool nights that provided perfect conditions for slow, uniform ripening."
Blueberries from Piedmont are unique and in demand
At the heart of Ribotta's production is the Duke variety of blueberry, flanked by the popular Draper variety, which is very popular in the UK. However, according to the founder, what sets them apart is their origin: "Our blueberries, grown in our valley, have unique organoleptic characteristics. Once people taste it, they ask for it and often increase their orders. It's not just a slogan; the area's unique climate and environment give our blueberries a distinctive flavor."
Foreign markets are in turmoil, and Italy is on the move
Despite the presence of Spanish products on the market at the start of the campaign, Italian blueberries were met with immediate enthusiasm upon arrival. "Our product is very well-received, especially abroad. Germany, the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Switzerland are established markets, and domestic consumption is showing promising signs as well. The general public is more aware of the product, which is now considered both Italian and high-quality."
To date, exports account for more than 80% of the cooperative's revenue. "The Italian market still accounts for less than 20 percent," Ribotta admits. "We need to work on the culture of consumption. On the other hand, our blueberries are in high demand abroad, especially in Germany. A few years ago, it was difficult to even suggest them. Now, they are coming to us."
The United Kingdom is an interesting case study in this regard. Despite post-Brexit complexities, the country continues to show interest in Italian blueberries. "We haven't had any major problems. The market has remained stable, although we now need more documents and must pay more attention to customs procedures."
© Ribotta Group
Organic and sustainable: Constant selections, eco-friendly packaging
The Ribotta Group has a strong presence in the organic segment, controlling 20 to 25 percent of the production market. There is significant room for growth. "Organic products are in high demand in Northern European countries. We use biodegradable packaging for the organic market to offer consistent, sustainable products. It's a value in which we want to continue investing."
The marketing of Piedmont blueberries will continue until mid-to-late July, and the outlook remains positive. "If the weather remains favorable, we anticipate a steady, high-quality season that will extend until the very end. The conditions for an excellent harvest are all in place," Ribotta concludes.
For more information:
Giuseppe Ribotta
Ribotta Group Soc. Coop. Agricola
Via Traversa Canonica, 1
12036 Revello (CN) - Italy
+39 0175 257550
[email protected]
www.ribottagroup.it
