"We are pleased to announce excellent yields for our organic kiwi fruit, with this year's crop reaching 22 tonnes per hectare across our four-hectare Hayward plot," says Valerio Balzani, who runs the Fratelli Balzani farm in Bertinoro, Italy, together with his brother Gianluca. On 6 November, the farm opened its doors to visitors as part of the European project called 'It's Bio' (It's good, healthy and natural Bio Fruit&Veg), which aims to promote organic production methods in the fruit and vegetable sector in Italy, Belgium and Greece.
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Valerio Balzani
"While conditions were not optimal in all regions, this year's kiwi yields in this area were particularly strong," says Balzani. The harvest was completed a couple of days ago, and the pricing strategy will be refined in light of the forthcoming marketing campaign.
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Paolo Pari and Valerio Balzani
During the on-site visit, Paolo Pari, Marketing Director of Canova Srl, a subsidiary of Op Apofruit, evaluated the recent organic kiwi fruit campaign in Italy. "The intense heat has had a detrimental impact on fruit set, resulting in a notable decline in production. Consequently, the national organic kiwi harvest for 2024/25 is expected to be lower than usual. However, product quality has remained consistently high, with no significant issues.
From a commercial standpoint, we are still in the early stages of the season and it is likely that the reduction in quantities may impact the supply dynamics."
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AOP Gruppo Vi.Va., an association comprising 12 producers' organisations representing almost all Italian regions, is responsible for promoting the project called 'It's Organic'. Collectively, these organisations cultivate approximately 23,000 hectares, with 15,000 hectares dedicated to fruit and just over 8,000 hectares to vegetables.
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"We have been engaged in organic farming since 1995," Balzani continues. "Our current farmland extends to 17 hectares, with 4 hectares devoted to organic green kiwi fruit production." This year's campaign, which began in mid-October, has met with our expectations in terms of product quality and yield per hectare."
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The closing buffet featured yellow and green kiwis
At last, Pari outlined the progress of the 'It's Bio' project: "The organic market is responding to the demand for sustainable and traceable products, particularly from younger consumers who are placing these two factors at the forefront of their purchasing decisions. It is therefore crucial to communicate directly and accurately, emphasising the unique benefits and value of organic products."
The 'It's Bio' project is taking this approach by directly involving consumers and communication specialists at points of purchase and processing sites.
For more information:
It's Bio project
www.almaverdebio.it