In the 1980s and 1990s, plums from Dro were the most popular crop in the Basso Sarca area in Trentino. The 5 to 6,000 tons produced a year were almost entirely exported to Germany.
Then the fruit from Eastern Europe became available, and similar plums arrived on the German market at lower prices. This, combined with the fact that apple and wine-grape cultivation was becoming more popular in the region, led to the decline of this variety.
Dro plums.
Nowadays, only 14 hectares are dedicated to these plums, 8 of which are part of the PDO territory. They are cultivated by cooperativa Valli del Sarca. Volumes have been at 180 tons for the past couple of years, a little below the potential 250 tons. This year, the slight drop in volumes was due to the cold temperatures during blossoming.
Andrea Valerio, sales and R&D director at La Trentina.
"We have developed new projects to promote the variety on the Italian market. Quality is excellent - sugar levels are high with 15° Brix and it has a good sweet/acidic balance. Firmness is good and fruits weigh between 20 and 30 grams. But, most of all, it is rich in pruina and polyphenol," explains Andrea Valerio, sales and R&D director at La Trentina.
Dro plums.
"The objective is to reach a production of 400-500 tons a year. It is a great opportunity for producers, as it can integrate their income. In addition, as it does not need a lot of treatments, it is very sustainable and adapts well to territories located near towns."