Following the RK Growers acquisition of the entire share capital of AVI (Agricultural Varieties Innovation), FreshPlaza interviewed Carlo Lingua, CEO of both AVI and RK Growers, for a comment on the current situation of ARRA seedless grapes (for which AVI detains European rights).In the chart below, we can see the hectares concerning the production of Arra grapes in Europe. Currently, vineyards are found in Italy (60%) and Spain (40%). The European production is around 4 million kg.
On a global level, there are currently 3,500 hectares of Arra grapes:
- 2,400 ha white Arra grapes
- 890 ha red Arra grapes
- 200 ha black Arra grapes
ARRA 4 in South Africa.
"At the moment, Arra 15 is the most popular because it was one of the first cultivars to be introduced and because of its extraordinary production, quality and shelf-life performance. In addition, Arra 19 and 28 (medium and late) and Arra 30 white grapes (very early) are improving. There are great expectations also for Arra 32 late black grapes."
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Outside of Europe, the main production areas are in North America, South America, South Africa, North Africa and Australia. Carlo Lingua recently visited vineyards in South Africa with Michele Linsalata and Marino Liotine from Orchidea Frutta and José Ramón Rituerto and Alberto Samperio from Haciendasbio (Spain). "ARRA grapes have been growing well in this area too."
Time for change
According to Carlo Lingua, demand for seedless grapes has increased massively in Italy, Europe and the world. "We are currently expanding, so much so that we have not established a maximum limit for the hectares that can be planted with our varieties. We consider the attempts to develop seedless selections of Italia grapes also very positive. Having said that, our Arra grapes are already available and have good grades, shelf-life and aroma."
ARRA 15 in South Africa.
Producers who would like to plant patented Arra grapes are provided with specialised technical support by AVI in order to obtain fruit that is in line with the quality standards required by the market.
ARRA 29 in Peru.
Quality, in fact, is essential in such a crowded market. "There is a lot of produce available. There is plenty of everything and consumers are spoilt for choice. Table grapes are certainly doing well, but we need to understand that quality and quantity do not always go together."
ARRA 16 in South Africa.
Consumers need to be able to find something that is excellent, and are willing to pay the right price for this. "So far, the lowest price has often dominated procurement policies, therefore producers have had to focus on volumes. I believe the time has come for things to change."
ARRA 16 in South Africa.
"Just consider that, while you can make salad taste better with various condiments, fruit must taste good from the start. We need to focus on quality, because it is the only way to have a future."
Operators are welcome to visit the company stand at Fruit Logistica 2017 (Hall 2.2 - Stand A-03) to try some fantastic ARRA grapes and learn more about them.
Contacts:AVI
Tel.: (+39) 080 3963 192
Email: info@avifruit.com
Carlo Lingua
Tel.: (+39) 348 782 2078
Email: carlo.lingua@avifruit.com
Paolo Carissimo
Email: paolo.carissimo@avifruit.com
Technical dept.:
Maurizio Simone
Tel.: (+39) 333 592 9981
Email: maurizio.simone@avifruit.com