The production of seedless grapes is constantly growing in the world. Italy plays a leading role in conventional production as for the organic offer in which, according to Sinab projections, the total amount is around 150,000 tons, mainly grown in Puglia, Sicily, and Basilicata. Puglia represents approximately 60% of the national production of organic seedless grapes. The growth in annual demand for organic seedless grapes is around +5/7% at a European level and the market share of organic retail grapes in Europe ranges from 5 to 10% of the total, with increases constant over the last three years.
The success of organic seedless grapes is linked to the significant reduction of the environmental impact brought by organic production compared to conventional production. In fact, organic production reduces CO2 emissions and water use. The ingredients of the success of seedless table grapes are sweetness, crunchy texture, and versatility as a snack between meals or as an ingredient in tasty sweet, and savory recipes.
Canova is one of the organic producers in Italy. The company specializes in organic fruit and vegetables and is part of the Apofruit group which markets seedless grapes in Italy and Europe. In addition, it is part of the Almaverde Bio brand which supports the It's Bio project, funded by the European Union and Aop Gruppo Vi.Va to promote the values of European quality production guaranteed by organic certification.
The harvest of organic grapes this year started ten days earlier than the normal calendar with the Sugraone variety and will end in October with Autumn Crisp. According to the producer members of Op Terra of Bari in the Apulian region of the Noicattaro area, there was a full production calendar and an excellent year from a qualitative standpoint.
The organic production of seedless grapes is a complex process because it involves the use of cultivation techniques that do not use synthetic chemicals for weeding, fertilization, or defense against pathogens. Instead, natural methods such as crop rotation, biological insect control, mineral and natural substance use, and organic fertilization are used to fight against diseases and infestations.
Furthermore, in the organic production of grapes, priority is given to the genetic diversity of plants, the reduction of environmental impact and respect for the natural cycle of the seasons. Organic seedless grapes are a high-quality product that is gaining more and more space in consumer purchases, especially in families with children, thanks to the safety of the guarantees offered by European certification and the sweet and aromatic taste.
It's Bio is a project financed by the European Union and AOP Gruppo Vi.Va., with the participation of Almaverde Bio, Apofruit, Codma OP, Ca' Nova, Coop Sole, AOP La Mongolfiera, OrtoRomi and OP Terre di Bari.
For more information:
It's Bio
www.itsbio.it