Italian company celebrates forty years in business at this week’s Fruit Attraction trade exhibition in Madrid
A climate-resistant pear variety, an early-harvesting apple, and sustainability-focused innovations in strawberries are among several new developments that Italian fruit breeder CIV will showcase at Fruit Attraction in Madrid this week, as it celebrates its 40th anniversary.
The Ferrara-based company has launched several new varieties this year as it works to achieve greater efficiency and sustainability in fruit supply chains.
The most recent is CapeRose PBR, which will be marketed under the brand name Cheeky.
In recent months, CIV signed an exclusive master licensing agreement with Culdevco that will fast-track its commercial development across Europe, Turkey, and Israel.
Federico Stanzani, commercial director of CIV, says it’s an important step towards the large-scale introduction of innovative pear varieties.
“Thanks to this partnership,” he says, “we are committed to promoting a pear variety with exceptional characteristics, capable of meeting market demands in terms of quality and resistance to adverse climatic conditions.”
Alongside Cheeky, CIV has other novelties up its sleeve. These include Lilibet, a bicoloured, early apple developed with Italian company Sanifrutta, and new strawberry varieties that are suited to Mediterranean climates.
According to Stanzani, Lilibet “adapts well” to so-called foothill production and offers resistance to scab.
“This project stems from the need to introduce an early apple in Europe with exceptional organoleptic qualities, such as sweetness, crunchiness, and a bright bicolour appearance, along with as well as a long shelf-life,.” he says.
At Fruit Attraction, the group will also introduce Larissa (CIVL326), a new early and highly productive addition to its low-chill strawberry range.
“Larissa meets the needs of those seeking a high-yield strawberry with medium- to large-sized fruits,” Stanzani continues. “Shayda remains our premium variety, thanks to its consistent production, regular shape, and excellent quality, making it ideal for export.”
