Some of the top table grapes are said to be Victoria, Black Magic, and Arra Sugar Drop™. While these varieties are cultivated worldwide, Sicily's unique environmental conditions, including fertile soils, dry weather, drastic temperature variations, and a rich agricultural heritage, provide an added value. It is in this privileged context that farmers cultivate the Barbera International table grape, which grows in the dolomitic soils of southern Sicily.
"From a commercial standpoint, the growing interest in Sicilian grapes is a well-established fact, as demonstrated by the extraordinary market demand," says Alessandro Barbera, owner and managing director of a fruit production and marketing group based in Adrano, in the province of Catania.
Barbera-branded products are grown in specific territories according to soil composition and ideal climatic conditions. This strategic approach allows for the cultivation of grapes with an intense flavor, crisp texture, and natural sweetness.
© Barbera International S.R.L.
"Dolomitic soil, which is derived from dolomite and rich in calcium carbonate and magnesium, is ideal for growing table grapes," explains Alessandro Barbera. "This type of soil significantly impacts the cultivation process by improving the quality of the bunches, the vigor of the plants, and the organoleptic characteristics of the final product. It enhances the flavor and crispness of the grapes and has good permeability, preventing water stagnation and reducing the risk of root diseases. Dolomitic soil can induce slight, controlled water stress in plants, favoring a higher concentration of sugars and aromatic compounds in grapes. It also tends to be alkaline, influencing parameters such as pH and nutrient availability. Plants grown in these environments often have the advantage of being able to develop greater resistance and adaptability."
© Barbera International S.R.L.
"Our selected grapes begin to ripen in May, which marks the official start of the Barbera table grape season. The first varieties arrive in early June: Victoria, which has a sweet and refreshing flavor; Black Magic, which has dark, intense tones and a strong taste; and Arra Sugar Drop™ (ARRA 30), a seedless variety and the company's top-selling product, which demonstrates its commitment to innovation. Mid-season varieties will be available starting in August, including the highly regarded Italia and the visually appealing Red Globe, which has large pink grapes."
© Barbera International S.R.L.
"Each bunch of Barbera grapes is a testament to our commitment to sustainability," the manager explains. "This commitment is supported by various efforts, such as efficient water management through sub-irrigation technologies and climate monitoring. These technologies reduce water consumption by 30 percent, saving 94 million liters of water per year. We're also increasing our use of solar power to cut down on energy use and CO₂ emissions. Additionally, we have obtained GlobalGAP Spring certification and are reducing plastic packaging."
© Barbera International S.R.L. ARRA Sugar Drop™ is distributed in Italy and abroad. The Sicilian company has a long-standing network of collaborations with partners in the large-scale retail sector. In the domestic market, the Barbera Group intends to increase its efforts.
© Barbera International S.R.L.
"The main destination market for our branded products is abroad," Alessandro Barbera concludes. "In fact, 90 percent of our turnover comes from outside Italy. Our commercial offering of conventional and organic products has three distinctive components: quality fruit, quality service, and quality customer relations. We make specific strategic choices, and these choices have consequences. First, all production is 100 percent Sicilian. Second, the production chain is constantly monitored thanks to the extraordinary work of the quality control department. Third, we design our packaging with attention to detail and are moving away from plastic."
For more information: 
Alessandro Barbera
Barbera International
Via Catania, 7
95031 Adrano (CT) - Italy
+39 095 760 1071
[email protected]
www.barbera-international.com
