The Rivoira - Kiwi Uno group, one of the most representative of the Cuneo (Piedmont) province and which has been operating in the fruit-farming industry for three generations, has signed a sub-licence agreement with VI.P., the Association of the Fruit and Vegetable Cooperatives in Val Venosta (Alto Adige), for the planting of 100 hectares of Ambrosia apples, of which the Rivora group has the exclusive rights of commercialisation in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.
As Marco Rivoira explains, "According to the agreement, in 2014/2015 250,000-350,000 trees will be planted (depending on the planting pattern), that will produce approximately 6,000-7,000 tons in 5 years' time. By adding this to the Rivoira group production, we have calculated that we should harvest 25,000 tons of Ambrosia apples in 5 years."
Josef Wielander, Manager of the VI.P Consortium, with Marco Rivoira from the Rivoira - Kiwi Uno group.
"We feel that this agreement has a number of advantages. First of all, a fast increase in production, thanks to the collaboration with a trusted partner in an area particularly dedicated to apple-growing. In addition, there is the possibility of extending the timeframe of our products, as Val Venosta's altitude guarantees long storability. Finally, it is a chance to further strengthen our partnership, as the two companies have been collaborating for years, combining our productions and offering our clients a wide range of products."
Josef Wielander, manager of VI.P, added that "we are very much satisfied with this collaboration. This development in the production of Ambrosia apples is the result of a cooperation between two strong partners- Rivoira in the red apple industry and VI.P in the yellow apple, with more than 70% of the harvest made up of Golden Delicious."
The packaging of Ambrosia apples is the same worldwide in order to make it recognisable and identifiable with the variety rather than with the companies that commercialise it.
Ambrosia apples -ambrosia was the "food of the Gods" in Greek times- ripen between the end of September and the beginning of October, depending on the area. They need cool nights and warm and sunny days in order to become really shiny- this is why Val Venosta is the ideal location for such variety.
As Marco explains: "The final choice for our partnership also came from the great consideration the Rivoira family has for the managers of the VI.P organisation: a respect that has grown over the years and that extends to the producers, who are extremely professional, humble and respectful of the territory."
The sub-licence agreement was signed a few months ago however, it was kept private in accordance with the Rivoira family style. It represents a true novelty as far as cooperations between a private group and a cooperative are concerned: "Of course there will be many advantages from this mix! I am sure that it will be a success", concludes Marco.
Contacts:
Rivoira Giovanni & Figli S.p.A.
Via Pomarolo, 88
12039 Verzuolo (CN) - Italy
Tel.: (+39) 0175 280800
Fax: (+39) 0175 280850
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.rivoira.it
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