FreshPlaza interviewed Andrea Fedrizzi, marketing manager for the Melinda Consortium, for a comment on the 2016/17 apple season.
The Melinda range was widened to include new varieties and meet the needs of various types of consumer. "Our territory is ideal to grow Golden apples, which develop unique characteristics and taste. Fuji and Gala also develop a better colour in this area".
"Our research shows that Melinda's Golden Delicious is the Italian customer's favourite, especially adults. The younger generations tend to prefer the red varieties. Fuji is favoured by those who do sports, Gala by children and Evelina is the trendiest one, thanks to its fresh flavour and appealing colour."
Renetta is a "niche" variety, popular in northern Italy among fruit connoisseurs, while Red Delicious is much appreciated by our female customers in southern Italy.
Foreign markets
25-30% of the production will be exported, especially to EU markets and North Africa. "We are also paying attention to the developing markets, especially those who are interested in Golden apples."
The cherry campaignThe harvesting and sale of the late Kordia and Regina varieties started very well in early June and also ended well. Volumes reached almost 700 tons.
"Prices were higher than 2015 thanks to a better demand. There were in fact less volumes available on the market."
"Quality was excellent thanks to the fact that we protected the orchards with anti-rain and anti-insect films and used the new Unitec sorting machine. The improved sorting and packaging was much appreciated by both producers and customers, who were able to see how a better processing can improve the superior quality of the product even more."
Re soft fruit - the harvesting of raspberries started a little later than usual, while that of strawberries ended well even though volumes were insufficient to meet demand. The harvesting of currants, blackberries and blueberries is also going well.
For further information: www.melinda.it
"Quality was excellent thanks to the fact that we protected the orchards with anti-rain and anti-insect films and used the new Unitec sorting machine. The improved sorting and packaging was much appreciated by both producers and customers, who were able to see how a better processing can improve the superior quality of the product even more."
Re soft fruit - the harvesting of raspberries started a little later than usual, while that of strawberries ended well even though volumes were insufficient to meet demand. The harvesting of currants, blackberries and blueberries is also going well.
For further information: www.melinda.it
