International growers bring new table grape varieties to Greece
As the master licence holders for ARRA in Greece, international growers Jupiter is working closely with farmers in Kavala, in the north of the country, to cultivate four ARRA varieties.
Boasting superior eating quality, the four grape varieties, ARRA 15, ARRA 19, ARRA 28 and ARRA 32, will yield from 2019 onwards and be solely marketed through Jupiter.
This exciting venture not only offers global export opportunities to Greek production, but also the benefit of extended supply windows.
The move has been described as a “significant leap forward” in strengthening the development of the late season ARRA varieties.
Among other advantages, the improved eating quality of the new varieties is what sets them apart from the Thompson and Crimson table grapes, which Greece is most commonly associated with.
Mr Shachar Karniel, the ARRA varieties breeder, said:
"For the ARRA Program, entering the Greek growing areas with the late season ARRA varieties is a significant leap forward, providing a great competitive edge that will strengthen the late season ARRA varieties given the distinct quality of grapes of northern Greece. The four late season varieties that Jupiter carefully chose for the Greek growers are characterised by their yield, beauty and eating quality, each with its colour and uniqueness.”
The ARRA 15 white variety is intended to replace the popular Greek Thompson grape and gives the growers a new generation of mid-late season white variety with a far greater quality and lower growing costs.
In addition to the ARRA 15, the ARRA 19, a mid-late season red, is followed by late season red ARRA 28 and late season black ARRA 32.
Grapa is delighted to be widening its existing portfolio to include Greece.
Rafi Karniel, Grapa Varieties’ General Manager, said: “We are very pleased with the positive developments in Greece as part of the expansion of the ARRA varieties throughout Europe.
"While AVI s.r.l. is the exclusive ARRA agent in Europe, doing excellent work especially in Italy and Spain, two years ago we received a proposal to cooperate in Greece with Jupiter, who have a strong, broad base of growers mainly in northern Greece.
"We were delighted with the opportunity to collaborate with such an esteemed company as Jupiter and it was agreed that Jupiter would step into AVI's shoes as the marketing agent for the ARRA varieties in Greece as well as to expand cooperation on the growth and marketing of ARRA varieties worldwide and in Europe in particular".
The evolutionary development of the ARRA grapes compliments Jupiter’s 500-plus acres of multiple new varieties of grape which span across three continents.
Jupiter's commitment to product leadership is not only evident with this latest revelation but is also set to bring new table grape varieties to global markets.
Jupiter’s CEO Mark Tweddle states that: “Working with Grapa to do something exciting for the grape industry like this is really refreshing.
Our family nature and core values are key to our success - similar to the culture at Grapa. This has been a real benefit to our relationship and we are particularly excited to celebrate our first harvest with them.”
Interest in the Jupiter Group’s new variety ventures can be directed to [email protected]