The new European Ambrosia apple campaign is about to get underway, with producers reporting higher volumes and a good size profile that will increase the availability for strategic markets.
Italy’s Grupo Rivoira and VI.P-Val Venosta, the exclusive growers of the variety in Europe, said the 2018/19 crop should reach 22,000 tonnes following a recovery in production after last season’s reduced harvested and new plantings coming on stream.
This will ensure good availability throughout the campaign, with is expected to run into the spring of 2019.
In particular, the larger sizes fit the profile of the Spanish market, one of the most important for this variety.
This season will also see an increase in availability of organic Ambrosias apples.
'Now that our total production is increasing we are developing a project of progressive expansion to meet the strong demand from international markets,” said Marco Rivoira, executive manager of Grupo Rivoira.
Fabio Zanesco, commercial director of VI.P, highlighted the excellent size of this year’s apples, adding that packing would begin in mid-October.
A comprehensive marketing campaign is planned for the Spanish market focusing mainly on promotions in the wholesale channel.
Under the ‘Divina Ambrosia’ slogan, the campaign will feature prize draws, online activities and tastings at leisure centres.
