Bloom Fresh holds first-ever open day in Peru

Over 80 licensed growers and licensees attended Bloom Fresh’s first-ever table grape open day in Ica, Peru recently to learn about the company’s table grape portfolio and latest research into the development of disease-tolerant varieties. 

Peru is an essential market for the company and the table grape industry, as the country is one of the most prolific grape-producing regions in the world. It was one of the first countries in the Southern Hemisphere to switch from traditional grapes to licensed or patented varieties, which according to producer association Provid are more in demand because of their desirable attributes for consumers and higher yields.

Sweet Globe was the top exported table grape variety this season, making up 23 per cent of Peruvian exports. Overall, Bloom Fresh varieties represented over 60 per cent of the grapes shipped in the 2023/24 season.

Among the varieties Bloom Fresh showcased were Bebop, Ivory, and Candy Hearts, which the company said garnered enthusiastic comments for their overall fruit quality.

The mint-inspired Julep variety was also a favourite due to its exotic flavour with hints of eucalyptus and cinnamon, the company said.

During the event, growers were introduced to the new CEO of Bloom Fresh, Kenneth Avery. Additionally, chief innovation officer Josep Etiarte and team members including Dr Pietro Scafidi, Sebastian Diaz, and others, were on hand to provide licensees with the most up-to-date information on growing techniques to ensure consumers receive the highest quality fruit. The presentations also included information regarding the automation of the company’s systems and data collection methods to support licensees throughout the season.

Bloom Fresh personnel discussed their research efforts in developing varieties with tolerance for fungi such as powdery mildew and downy mildew to ensure that growers can produce healthy crops. Thirteen table grape varieties were presented for attendees to view and taste, providing feedback to fuel the company’s R&D programme.

“Peru is such an important market for us, and being here for the first time since our company officially became Bloom Fresh is very exciting,” Avery said. “We enjoyed meeting with all the licensed growers and understanding the opportunities and challenges they are facing so that we can provide the necessary support both on the ground and in our breeding efforts to ensure their success.”