Italian fresh produce company VI.P, the Association of Val Venosta Fresh Produce Cooperatives, has reported a strong start to the 2009/10 apple season following the harvesting of one of the largest crops in its history.
According to a statement, the group's seven member cooperatives are set to supply a good range of medium-large apples of 'truly excellent quality' right up to the end of the Italian season thanks to favourable conditions in the Val Veonsta region during production and harvesting.
In addition, the group's organic apple output has reportedly grown to more than 18,000 tonnes, confirming the importance of its BIO Val Venosta brand.
By variety, Golden Delicious remains VI.P's most important crop in terms of volume, accounting for around 60 per cent of its total production.
'These sweet apples are particularly refreshing and crisp, with a yellow skin that this year has taken on its typical red blush thanks to the high variation of temperatures during the harvesting period,' said a spokesman.
Red Delicious is the next most common variety for VI.P, while Gala, Jonagold and Pinova together represent around 10 per cent of production.
New variety Kanzi, meanwhile, is reported to be gaining in popularity and is expected to achieve positive results this season.
For organics, the group's commitment to the sector has enabled it to extend the marketing period for its BIO Val Venosta-branded apples until as late as the start of August 2010.
The opening of the consortium's new BIO packhouse in January 2009 has been seen as fundamental in helping it to grow its organics business.
'Firstly, our daily capacity now stands at 150 tonnes, which enables us to respond quickly to every demand,' said the spokesman. 'Secondly, the new machinery we have ensures the fruit is not damaged during handling and packing.'
Thanks to a code printed on every pack, each individual piece of fruit can now be traced back to the producer.
VI.P Val Venosta achieved a turnover of €187m last year. Bringing together seven cooperatives and 1,780 individual growers, the company accounts for some 5,100ha of production situated at altitudes between 500m and 1,100m above sea level.
The group boasts a total packhouse capacity of 271,000 tonnes and can sort 133 tonnes of fruit per hour as well as packing 208 tonnes per hour.
In total, the company supplies apples to 45 markets around the world, its main destinations being Italy, Germany, Scandinavia, Spain and Russia.
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