Luiza, Venice, and Isadora are apple varieties that have brought recognition to Santa Catarina in Europe. Developed by the Agricultural Research and Rural Extension Company of Santa Catarina (Epagri), these apples are produced and marketed in Italy under the Sambóa brand. They received the 'Best Apple of the Year' award in the 2025 edition of Protagonisti della Ortofrutta Italiana, organized by Corriere Ortofrutticolo Magazine.
Marcus Vinicius Kvitschal, a researcher and genetic breeder at the Epagri Experimental Station in Caçador, explained the process: "The time it takes us to do this, from the crossing to the launch of the varieties, usually takes around 20, 25 years. It is a long, time-consuming process and involves the effort of a large team of researchers." Epagri's program includes contributions from phytopathologists, entomologists, and physiologists to develop production technology and management systems.
These varieties, after decades of research, are now recognized in Italy, a competitive market for new apples. Kvitschal stated, "We know that Italy is a market where competition for new apples is very high. Here in Brazil, we have Gala and Fuji. In Italy, they have at least two dozen apples competing for each market share."
The development process is entirely natural, involving manual pollination and selection of new hybrids. Kvitschal clarified, "We do not carry out any genetic modification process in the laboratory on these cultivars. What we do here is precisely what nature already does naturally with plants."
For over 25 years, Epagri has collaborated internationally to expand these varieties commercially. Partnerships with companies like IFO in France have facilitated testing and market entry in Europe. The Italian Rivoira group acquired exclusive rights to the varieties outside Brazil, leading to the establishment of the Brazilian Variety project under the Sambóa brand.
Kvitschal noted challenges in Brazil's apple market, as logistics are centered on Gala and Fuji varieties. He emphasized the need for market strategies for new products, stating, "We have used the example of Sambóa a lot all over the world to show, including to the Brazilian production sector, that it is up to them to organize themselves, make the necessary investments and that these varieties will become established in the market."
Source: Abrafrutas