The ARRA varieties of table grapes are created by the breeder Mr. Shachar Karniel of ARD, a subsidiary of Giumarra Vineyards Cooperation, California, and are commercialised exclusively by Grapa Varieties Ltd.
The summer season kicked off in Brazil with the ARRA open field day in Petrolina, followed by the ARRA Open Field Days in Bakersfield, California, where the early ARRA varieties were exhibited at a field day in July and the early, mid and late varieties were displayed during the ARRA Open Field Days in August. Both the July and August Field Days were great successes, with many growers travelling from all five continents to visit the ARRA breeding site and vineyards.
2017 ARRA Open Field Day, Petrolina
As ARRA breeder, Shachar Karniel explains, "The ARRA open field days provide a great opportunity for growers to taste and evaluate the commercial varieties, as well as to have a first taste of the promising pipeline varieties. In addition, the growers share their experiences of ARRA production, meet face to face with our global experts for questions, discussion and personalised advice regarding the growing protocols and of course it is an opportune time for some networking among the visitors. The field days are also open for growers who are not yet producing ARRA varieties but are interested in joining the ARRA family.
Sampling the bunches at ARRA Open Field Day, California
In September, the ARRA varieties were on display at Asia Fruit Logistica in Hong Kong where the grapes garnered a lot of attention at this annual event. The rising star of the show was the white muscat pipeline variety, which received much interest and praise from all who tasted it.
Interest in ARRA Varieties at Asia Fruit Logistica in Hong Kong
The next stop during this busy Autumn period will be the Fruit Attraction Exhibition in Madrid. As Shachar notes, "We always look forward to these events. They are another great opportunity to meet the growers and interested parties first hand and they in turn, have the chance to consult with the Grapa team and sample the ARRA grapes presented at the stand."
Grapa together with AVI, the European ARRA agent, will showcase a selection of ARRA grapes at their shared stand at the Fruit Attraction exhibition in Madrid next week. The stand will be located at Hall 10, C07A.
For more information: www.grapaes.com