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COMPANY PAGE


SOULIS 1ST COVER
TEX 1
MDA 3
KIKU 7
MSC 13
KARANTINOS 17
MENELAOS FRUITS 19 In this issue
DOLE 21
CHATZIDAKIS BACK COVER Kiwi: Exports continue at a good pace


Oranges: All the varieties in the spotlight


Asparagus: The early crop brings optimism



4 EDITORIAL













FRESKON FAIR 2020 POSTPONED

SAVE THE NEW DATE: 15/17-4-2021





Freskon will be held in April 2021, along
with all its events, the International
Apple Congress, the Almond Forum

and the FreshCon Market.


Due to the increased public health risk posed
by the outbreak of the new coronavirus,

the Freskon Organization Commitee, with sense
of responsibility towards the safety of exhibitors,
visitors and all supporters of the exhibition,
decided not to realize the sixth Freskon at the fixed

date, 2-4 April 2020, as it was considered as a risky
period.
At the same time, in view of the effectiveness
of the exhibition and of the fulfillment of the com-

mercial objectives for which it is being carried out,
the Organizion considered that it would not
be appropriate to move Freskon to a later date
in 2020 and decided to carry it out in April 2021.

Of course, along with the Freskon exhibition,
will be transfered for April 2021 as well, all the
events that accompany it, namely the International
Apple Congress, the Almond Forum

and the FreshCon Market.


Takis Orfanos









MARCH 2020

“THE POSITIVE SALES PACE


CAN HOLD TILL THE END OF THE SEASON”



The trading season is going on well for the Italian apple sector
and, according to what Mr. Walter Pardatscher, CEO of VOG
Consortium says to Froutonea, it seems that all the conditions
exist, so as the positive sales pace to continue until the end of
the season.











Mr. Pardatscher, until when will tor will be about careful personal-
last the Italian apple stocks this isation, which means being able to
year and which varieties domi- offer the right apple for every taste.
nate the production?
Let’s begin with an objective fact: Did the decrease of the Polish
at the beginnings of February 2020, apple production volume gener-
our stocks are -15% compared with ated any extra opportunities for
2019. In the region that VOG manag- the Italian exporters?
es, the volume of fresh apples har- The geographic yield, this year,
vested was smaller than the fore- has in effect changed profoundly
casts. Integrated production stood compared to 2018. There are sig-
WALTER PARDATSCHER at 458.000 tonnes (-10% compared nificant volume shortages especial-
to 2018), while organic production ly in the north and east of Europe,
came in at 16.800 tonnes (-18% compensated partly by large crops
CEO, VOG CONSORTIUM compared to 2018). In commercial in the south (particularly Spain). As
terms therefore, the 2019/2020 sea- a result, some customers have had
son looked promising at the start to change their positioning and pur-
and is proceeding positively, hav- chase some of their fruit from new
ing had to manage one of the small- production zones. In this sense,
est harvests of the last few years there have also been new and un-
across the whole of Europe. That expected opportunities for us as a
said, we will have product available Consortium, starting for example in
at least until the end of July. the nearby German market, which
As far as varieties are concerned, bodes well for the coming months.
apart from those traditional variet-
ies sold under Marlene®, the brand How is the competition going on
which distinguishes high-quali- in the European markets and at
ty apples grown in South Tyrol, as which levels do the prices fluc-
the VOG Consortium we are supply- tuate?
ing all of the best-known brands, Given that competition is a some-
like Pink Lady® and Kanzi®, along- what relative concept for us, be-
side more recent and intriguing in- cause traditionally and culturally
novations like envy™ and yello®. we have focused above all on qual-
What’s more, the future of our sec- ity without engaging in battles on



MARCH 2020

6 INTERVIEW















































There are significant volume price, at the moment we feel the apple trading season? Which
season is going well, with sales sig- markets constitute your priori-
shortages especially nificantly higher than last year. Ap- ties and at which level do your
in the north and east ple prices, it must be said, have not exports to the SE Asia stand?
always met our expectations, espe-
Today VOG sells its apples in 68
of Europe, compensated cially at the start of the season. The countries and its exports account
positive sales trend continued in the for 63%. Sold under both the Südtir-
partly by large crops first weeks of 2020 and, with less oler Apfel g.g.A.® label and the Mar-
product expected to be available in lene® brand, the apples are avail-
in the south (particularly the second half of the season, the able in Italy, Spain, Malta, Cyprus,
Spain). As a result, some current trend should continue with Belgium, Netherlands, Norway and
Denmark.
good results.
customers have had to The main foreign countries we
How would you assess the qual- work with as a consortium are Ger-
change their positioning ity of the Italian apples? Did any many, Scandinavia, UK and the
problems occur during the stor- whole of the Mediterranean ba-
and purchase some of their ing at the fridges? sin, from the Maghreb to the Mid-
If it is true that the harvested vol-
fruit from new production umes were lower, I would assess the dle East.
In a European context where
zones quality however as very high, thanks there is a structural surplus of sup-
mainly to a good climate during the ply versus consumption, it’s essen-
summer. There were also no critical tial to open new markets outside of
issues while the fruit was being put Europe, with South-East Asia top of
into cold storage. the list. The opportunities in these
areas are enormous, and the de-
In general, how does the Italian mand is mainly for premium quality
apple sector is moving in this varieties that taste excellent.




MARCH 2020



8 PRODUCTS








ÒOranges





ALL THE VARIETIES IN THE SPOTLIGHT!



Oranges’ trading continues, with market absorption evolving at a slower pace, while the producer pric-
es are changing - and as all show, the next month will be decisive for further trading of this product.


Close to all of the above, we should
even count on the fact that the rates of
non-marketable fruits are quite high, mak-
ing it even more difficult for the product to
circulate.
The Lane Late variety
The high Merlin Producer price and in-
creased levels of low quality fruits have
forced some traders to switch to late va-
rieties, such as the Lane-Late variety,
whose harvest has begun in the Aitolokar-
nania region, with prices formed at 30-35
minutes on a tree. Cutting rates are quite
good at this time, with production vol-
umes this year at higher levels than pre-
vious years - and as well-informed market
circles point out, production volume in the
Lane Late variety will increase every year.
As for the quality of the fruit, there are no
problems at this time, but due to the frost
The oranges’ trading continues, with all
the varieties in the spotlight. Let’s take the in Aitoloakarnania at the beginning of the
story from the beginning, in order to un- year, there is a fear that the fruit may have
derstand better how the orchard scene is been affected by this phenomenon. How-
shaped right now. ever, for the next few weeks there is no
Starting with the Navelinas, we notice As well-informed market problem - and as all show, the volume of
that there are still some fruits in Argolis this variety will be absorbed by the end of
and in Laconia, which are of particular in- circles point out, production March, so everything will flow smoothly.
terest to those Traders that are active in volume in the Lane Late
the Domestic Market. In this variety, the The Valencia variety
producer prices have now reached 35 cents variety will increase every Some traders have already begun har-
per tree, but harvest in this variety is ex- vesting the Valencia variety, both in the Ai-
pected get done in a few weeks. year in Aitoloakarnania toloakarnania and in the Skala region. Ma-
Passing now on the Merlin variety, Pro- ny are the surging questions about this
ducer prices are currently set at around 35 early harvest, which arose as the fruits of
cents in Argolis - from 25 to 27 a few days this variety are currently lacking in sugars
ago - and this development has brought - and perhaps a harvest start date should
the product up and down. also be set for this product, as it happens
It should be noted here that the quan- with kiwi.
tities of the Merlin variety in the Argolida As for the Producer prices, they were at
region are currently estimated at around 17-18 minutes in the Aitoloakarnania re-
30,000 tonnes, a quantity not small at all… gion, while in Laconia at 20 minutes.



MARCH 2020

ÒKiwis





EXPORTS CONTINUE AT A GOOD PACE The Greek kiwi reaches 66

different countries on our

Kiwifruit continues to be absorbed by the international markets, planet this year, from 64
and as everything shows, by mid-April most of the stock will have countries that were last
been sold, and there will be very few merchants who will continue
to trade kiwi from this point in time. year, thus proving its huge
potential






thus demonstrating the enormous poten-
tial it does have.

The storage
Apart from the very good commercial
course of kiwi this year, we should also
also notice that the fruits have relative-
ly good frost resistance, resulting in lim-
ited losses this year. But as for the issue
of losses, many agronomists point out
that most of the problems in refrigerators
are due to poor harvesting techniques, as
at this stage most of the harvest workers
According to the statistics of the Greeek in the 2018-19 season, followed by Poland, work under “bad conditions”. We all know
Ministry of Agriculture the kiwi exports Germany, the US, Ukraine, Egypt, Romania, what the harvest regime is, who wins from
have increased by 42.77% as of February Saudi Arabia, and France. Of these coun- this whole situation, and why this whole
14, compared to the exports in the same tries, Saudi Arabia has a strong growth po- thing is perpetuated. Poor fruit harvesting
period last year. tential, which shows an increase of ab- is not only for kiwi fruit, but more or less
Exports of kiwi to Italy have reached sorption by 78.97% compared to previous this problem has to do with all fruits.
23,238 tonnes against 10,808 tonnes last years, but also the USA, with an increase A solution has to be found, because it
year, making this neighbor country the in absorption rate at 59,61%. is totally unreasonable to talk and look
number one export destination. In the sec- But what is important to us is that the for good farming practices, but when we it
ond place are Spain with 19,068 tonnes, Greek kiwi is reaching 66 different coun- comes to the harvest to give it no impor-
against 13,202 tonnes that it had absorbed tries this year, from 64 countries last year, tance.


























MARCH 2020

10 PRODUCTS







ÒAsparagus




THE EARLY CROP BRINGS OPTIMISM!



The weather is favorable this year for the cultivation of asparagus - and it looks like
the season will be quite early. This development creates an optimism in the sector of this product.


harvesting period of asparagus in the
new growing season - and it is the Ger-
man Market that will absorb the vol-
ume of this production, as always hap-
pens during the last 20 years.
Few quantities will be channeled to
other countries - and these will mostly
be of green asparagus. As for the do-
mestic market, consumption of green
asparagus has increased in recent
years, but there is still a long way to
go to say that the Greek Market is an
interesting market for this type of as-
paragus. As for the whites, the quanti-
ties consumed in our country are mini-
mal and it is not worth mentioning.

The perspective
The asparagus cultivations has been
shrinking in the last decade - and now
we only find it in some parts of the
country. We note that in 2008 the ex-
A new year is starting for asparagus ports of asparagus amounted 14,654
- and everyone in the sector is optimis- tonnes - and ten years later they have
tic that this season will be a good one fallen to 5,343 tonnes. Correspond-
for this product. This optimism comes ingly, the value of exports from EUR
from the fact that the weather this 34,170,167 has now been reduced to
year has helped to carry out the culti- Well-informed circles EUR 18,600,930.
vation work on time and, as we know, This development is deplorable, but
when the year is early, this usually is say that the situation can worst of all is that although our Sci-
translated to a better sales volume. only be reversed if investment entific Community had firmly warned
But let’s say at this point that some strongly about the danger, noth-
circles who are well aware of the evo- funds will be located ing was done to stop this situation.
lution of asparagus do not accept Well-informed circles say that the sit-
these optimistic estimates and say in the creation of large uation can only be reversed if invest-
that due to the weather, the German ment funds will be located in the cre-
production will be early this year as asparagus estates ation of large asparagus estates. This
well- so the Greek asparagus will not is a hypothetical scenario - and what
gain anything from the early days...
we must now hope for the Greek as-
paragus is to maintain ITS status quo
The sales and not let the cultivation go away in
The first week of March, as every- the coming years.
thing indicates, will be the first of the



MARCH 2020

“WE HAVE STARTED EARLY


THE ASPARAGUS HARVEST IN KAVALA”




Mr. Aris Schohtman, spokesman for the Schottman Herrikos Co,
presents the facts about the new season of asparagus in Kavala.









ARIS SCHOTMAN
SCHOTMAN ERRICOS CO.
SPOKESMAN


Mr. Schottman, please make us a
comment on the results of last sea-
son’s asparagus in the Kavala region.
Last year was not a good one for the
producers. The Greek season was late and
so the prices of Greek asparagus in Germa-
ny were low as there they were met with
the local produce.
couraged for mass planting due to the
Is there any idea about the quality of increased production costs. As regards va-
the new season’s asparagus produc- rieties, more than 95% of the production
tion? Did you observed any problems is white Dutch and French asparagus, al-
during the growing season? though the presence of French varieties is
Generally, we are waiting for what is yet decreasing. The Germans are very strict
to come. On the subject of the quality, I
cannot foresee anything from now on, as To which overseas markets do you on quality, and they more and
it will be judged by the weather. However, mainly export your asparagus, and more want paper packaging.
it looks like the asparagus volume will be what do these markets want in terms
higher than last year. The harvesting start- of quality and packaging? The 500 gram package and
ed with small quantities in the last week of The main quantities of our asparagus are
February - and by the first week of March exported to Germany. We also export to It- bulk trays of five kilos are the
all Producers in our area will have begun aly - and we send some small quantities to
their work. France and the Netherlands. The Germans most sought-after packaging
are very strict on quality, and they more types for catering and
How have asparagus plantations and more want paper packaging. The 500
evolved in recent years in Kavala and gram package and bulk trays of five kilos restaurants
what types and varieties of asparagus are the most sought-after packaging types
dominate? for catering and restaurants.
In 2012, production began to decline. though it has its own problems, it is not
Subsequently, the crop fields stabilized How is competition in foreign markets alone. It is both the Spaniards and the Ital-
and few growers planted some new hect- evolving? ians and the French who are coming into
ares. However, Producers cannot be en- German production is growing and, al- the game more strongly. Only by improving
our quality we can be competitive.


MARCH 2020

12 PRODUCTS







ÒTomatoes




IT’S A STRANGE YEAR ...



This year the tomatoes are not performing well, as we are experiencing a reduced volume of produc-
tion and at the same time reduced demand, so the tomato growers’ income shrinking dramatically this
year.

even course of tomato.

The highlights
Everyone agrees that tomato consump-
tion in the domestic market has dropped
dramatically. Some market circles attri-
bute this reduction to the financial cri-
sis, which has dramatically reduced Greek
Consumer Income. However, other mar-
ket circles do not hold this view and say
that the decline in tomato consumption
is due to the changing consumption hab-
its of the Greeks, who have now incorpo-
rated new products, such as ready-made
salads, while the classic beef tomato has
been replaced by a large portion of con-
sumers that opt for small cherry toma-
toes. Despite the different scopes, they all
The tomato market after Christmas and agree that the supermarket chains play an
until mid-February was marked by an “in- important role in the price formation of to-
explicable” course, which gave some high matoes - and especially the Greek ones,
producer prices, but soon afterwards and which due to fierce competition increase
without changing anything, prices fell. But their bids and thus keep product prices low.
let’s take the story from the beginnign, Chains play an important
in order to unsdestand better how things The next period
have evolved in the meantime. role in the price formation of Now as for the evolution of the market
The low temperatures in Greece in the during the next months, many things de-
early days of January reduced the sup- tomatoes - and especially pend on the weather. Specifically, if the
ply of tomatoes, bringing as a result sta- the Greek ones, which due to weather in March has low temperatures
ble prices at high levels for the most of the and clouds, then the harvest will have a
weeks of this month. But the weather has fierce competition increase mild flow and there will be plenty to meet
subsequently improved and so, with Feb- the needs that will be created by Easter.
ruary coming in, supply has risen slight- their bids and thus keep If, on the contrary, the weather in March
ly, with demand staying at the same level is hot and we have sunny days, then most
and prices falling - and this time period not product prices low of the production will be harvested this
being considered satisfactory by Produc- month, so April will have few tomatoes. It
ers. Note that in previous years tomatoes should be noted here that this year the to-
had a difficult commercial course in Janu- mato cultivated areas in Crete and Messin-
ary - and as February entered there was an ia are reduced. Close to this reduction, we
improvement in product performance. This must add, too, the significant catastrophes
year things have turned “upside down” and in tomato greenhouses in Kountoura and
so we are talking about the hitherto un- Elafonisi, from hail and winds.



MARCH 2020



14 PRODUCTS







ÒPotatoes




NOT A GOOD SEASON!



The feelings of the professionals in Greek potato sector are mixed as the demand that was meant to
rise during February remained at the same low levels. The prices of potatoes are low as well and most
traders believe that the domestic stocks will be thrown away this season.

At a normal potato season the domestic
stocks would be over by now, nevertheless
things are different this season. Traders’
worries were showed from the beginning of
the season and they came true. The quan-
tities that are consumed in the market at
the moment come from Nevrokopi, Ano
Vrodou of Serres, Thiva and imports from
Egypt, France and Cyprus. The domestic
stocks reach 12.000 tons and the majority
of traders believe that when the first quan-
tities of Ilia and Messinia enter the do-
mestic market the stocks from Northern
Greece will be thrown away.
This is one of the reasons that the culti-
vated area of potatoes in Nevrokopi is low-
er 15%, in comparison with last year.

The imports from Cyprus
The bad weather conditions in Cyprus
mad the exports to Greece difficult and the
imports of potatoes from Cyprus are still 20% increase in this year’s
low. As far as the stocks of the country spring production in Messinia
are concerned, they are about to last un- The beginning of the spring potato har-
til March. vest is estimated to begin on 10th of April
The bad weather conditions and the first predictions talk about a 15-
The Egyptian quantities 20% increase in production volume com-
One of the reasons that potato prices in Cyprus mad the exports pared to last year. Specifically, according
fell to lower levels in February is the po- to the local traders, the drought that ini-
tato imports from Egypt. Indeed, this year to Greece difficult and the tially took place in the area did not cause
the importers are expanding and competi- imports of potatoes any damage to the crops, so the quality of
tion is increasing, with prices falling at the this year’s production was extremely sat-
same time. from Cyprus are still low. isfying.
The imports of Egyptian potatoes in the Regarding the cultivated area, this year
ports of Kiato, Piraeus, Astakos and Thes- As far as the stocks it reaches 4,300 acres and this year’s
saloniki started during the first week of quantities are expected to rise to 12,000
February and this year the quantities are of the country are concerned, tons from 16,000 tons last year.
estimated to reach 150,000 tons at the they are about to last until Finally, it must be noted that in addi-
price of 0.35 euros / kg, while controls are tion to the domestic market, the interest
more strict at Greek ports as more certifi- March in spring quantities is really intense from
cates of plant protection are now required. the markets of Poland, Czech Republic and
Slovakia.



MARCH 2020

“THE DOMESTIC POTATO MARKET


IS DOMINATED BY EGYPTIAN QUANTITIES”



Potato imports from Egypt in our country will last until the first
ten days of June, with Egyptian products dominating the Market
until the Greek harvest begins, according to Mr Kostas Petalas,
Owner of Petalas Ltd.





KOSTAS PETALAS

OWNER OF PETALAS COMPANY




Mr Petalas, how are the imports of
new potatoes from Egypt so far? At
what levels are their entry prices in
the Greek ports?
Egyptian imported potatoes this year
dominate the markets and at the same
time consumers are interested in the prod-
uct. Thus, the entry prices and the cost of
ports in the country’s ports are about 0.33
to 0.35 euros per kilo.
distinguished by their high require-
ments for the vegetables they con-
What are the quality characteristics of sume - treat Egyptian potatoes? What
the products? Also, is there any es- guarantees can we give them for their
timate of the volume to be imported quality?
overall - and when will the potato im- I estimate that potato Currently Egyptian potatoes are the
ports from the country end? best potatoes on the Market - and also
Greek Import Companies have already imports from Egypt will have have the highest consumption rate. If the
begun trading large volumes of Egyptian ended by the end of May - marketing of the new Greek harvest be-
potatoes. However, some of them have gins, then the Egyptian potato will decline.
brought the worst in quality, resulting in or the latest by the first ten However, I repeat that until then Egyptian
lower quality and lower prices than the ex- products will rank first in sales.
pected ones. days of June The quality guarantees we can pro-
I estimate that potato imports from vide to Greek Consumers come from the
Egypt will have ended by the end of May - Benakeio Phytopathological Institute,
or the latest by the first ten days of June.
which means that Egyptian potatoes meet
all the requirements to reach the kitchen
Which varieties do Egyptians export of any housewife.
to our country?
The beginning of the season is dominat- Closing, tell us what other products
ed by the Spounda variety, followed by the your company manages.
import of the Mondial, Santana and Dia- Apart from potatoes, other products we
mond varieties.
bring to the market are onions, garlic, lem-
ons, bananas and kiwi.
How do Greek consumers - who are


MARCH 2020

16 PRODUCTS


YELLO® ARRIVES TO AUSTRALIA



After Japan and Europe, the Shinano Gold variety enters new territory following an agreement be-
tween Montague Australia and the VOG and VIP consortia at Fruit Logistica. Further testings sched-
uled also in the US and South Africa.


YELLO®, the innovative Club apple pro-
duced in South Tyrol – Südtirol by the VOG
and VIP consortia, exclusive European
growers, has announced a broad expansion
programme at Fruit Logistica.
In Berlin the South Tyrolean consor-
tia which own the rights to the brand have
signed a sub-license agreement with Mon-
tague Australia for the cultivation of Shi-
nano Gold. In attendance to celebrate this
important milestone were the Chairman
of the VOG Consortium Georg Kössler, the
Chairman of VIP Thomas Oberhofer, repre-
sentatives of Montague Australia, Scott
Montague and Rowan Little, and Gerhard
Dichgans, in charge of the project on be-
half of the two South Tyrolean companies.
“For now the sub-license has estab-
lished an area of 25 hectares - explains
Georg Kössler, who spoke on behalf of VOG
and VIP – with the option of expanding it This new apple has all the
up to 50 hectares, with the products des-
tined exclusively for the Australian domes- potential to change the
tic market for the time being.” YELLO ® - Info
“The tests carried out in Australia pro- yellow apple segment: its The variety marketed under the
duced very positive results – comments slightly exotic and tropical yello® brand is called Shinano
Scott Montague of the company Montague Gold and was developed during
in the state of Victoria/Australia – the ar- aroma, together with its a breeding programme at the
ea in which we planted the first trees has Nagano Research Centre in the
proved to be particularly compatible with crunchy and juicy flesh, are Nagano Prefecture, Japan by
the cultivation of this premium variety. This in line with the needs of the crossing the Golden Delicious with
is why we have signed this sub-license the Senshu.
agreement with VOG/VIP: we will now be modern consumer YELLO ® has a bright yellow
able to produce the first YELLO® apples al- skin, a firm consistency and
so in Australia”
a sweet, crisp, juicy heart. It
also has excellent shelf life and
Additional plantations impressively constant quality.
in US and SA in the near future liance (IPA). It was launched on the Italian
As part of an extended testing agree- “This new apple has all the potential market in November 2016.
ment signed with the Nagano Prefecture to change the yellow apple segment: its Thanks to the agreement with the
in Japan, additional Shinano Gold trees slightly exotic and tropical aroma, together Nagano Prefecture, the exclusive
will be planted in the US and South Afri- with its crunchy and juicy flesh, are in line worldwide production and
ca. The tests will be carried out in collab- with the needs of the modern consumer - marketing licence belongs to VOG,
oration with Columbia Fruit Packers and underlines Gerhard Dichgans, who elabo- the Consortium of South Tyrolean
McDougall & Sons, two companies from rated the agreement on behalf of VIP and Fruit Growers’ Cooperatives,
Wenatchee in Washington State/USA, and VOG – We have already registered the yel- and to VIP, the Association of
Fruitways Farming, a company from Elgin/ lo® brand in over 60 countries and this year Val Venosta Fruit Growers’
South Africa, three historic VIP and VOG we will start taking concrete steps to ex- Cooperatives.
partners in the International Pomefruit Al- pand its horizons at global level.”



MARCH 2020



18 PRODUCTS










KISSABEL® Success all over Europe
During the 2019/2020 season, French
ENTERS THE ASIAN MARKET partner Blue Whale distributed the Kiss-
abel® Orange variety in Germany, Spain
AND CONFIRMS ITS SUCCESS IN EUROPE and Portugal, France and the United King-
dom, while also expanding its destination
countries to include Brazil, Colombia, the
Middle East and Asia. “Our goal has been
The 2019/2020 campaign for the Northern Hemisphere confirms to get as many consumers as possible to
the growth of the red-flesh apples, which have even been Insta- try Kissabel® in different countries,” com-
grammed by Victoria Beckham. mented Marc Peyres, Blue Whale’s export
sales manager. “Many people have had the
opportunity to see that it is a different ap-
An increasing number of consumers and ple on the outside with a crispy and rich
retailers in Europe and around the world taste. There is a lot of interest in the prod-
have tried and continue to enjoy Kissa- uct and we are very happy with the results
bel®, the exciting new collection of red- of our tests in all the countries involved.”
and pink-fleshed apples developed by If- Germany is showing strong appreciation
ored Consortium. for Kissabel®, as confirmed both by Blue
Production for the Northern Hemi- Whale executives and by Inga Mohr, the
sphere, marketed by the project’s part- Red Apple Germany consortium’s spokes-
ners between September 2019 and Janu- person. “As we only had a small quanti-
ary 2020, has been appreciated both in the ty of apples, we started delivering to se-
markets reached in previous years, such lected customers,” reported Mohr. “There
as the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy and is great demand for Kissabel® in German
France, and in new areas, such as South food retailing. The taste was especially
America and Asia. well received when consumers processed
Kissabel® to cakes.” There is also strong
A fashion icon apple for the interest in Kissabel® in Switzerland. “We
British supermarkets started the campaign at the end of Sep-
In the United Kingdom, Kissabel® re- tember and we finished on Christmas,”
ceived a notable endorsement from fash- said Christian Bertholet, Category man-
ion designer and model Victoria Beck- ager fruits at Fenaco. “We did tests with
ham, who devoted an Instagram story to some of our ‘gastronomie’ customers and
the apple with the “red inside”, describing their interest is really good. Tastings with
it as “the prettiest British apple”. “We’ve consumers were also very successful”.
been really pleased with the performance There has been equally positive feed-
of Kissabel® apples this year,” reported back from Italy. “There is a lot of interest
Steven Maxwell CEO of Worldwidefruit, In the United Kingdom, from customers,” commented Fabio Zan-
partner of the Ifored project. “The apples esco (VI.P), spokesman for the NovaMela
looked stunning and feedback from retail- Kissabel® received a notable Consortium. “The tests have shown posi-
ers and consumers was universally posi- endorsement from fashion tive results and next year we will have a
tive.” A tasting was organized in the Wait- greater quantity to carry out more struc-
rose offices, where everyone present said designer and model Victoria tured tastings.” Andrea Fedrizzi (Melin-
they would buy Kissabel®, praising not Beckham, who devoted da) confirmed: “As we expected, Kissa-
only its unique appearance, but also its bel® is enjoying a lot of success in Italy
distinctive aromatic taste. The Marks & an Instagram story to the because it is an apple that is very different
Spencer chain also gave positive feedback: from the others. During November we pro-
“The Kissabel® apple selections deliver a apple with the “red inside”, posed tastings both to customers and at
unique point of difference to the Apple cat- describing it as “the prettiest select events: the apple proved very pop-
egory. The red flesh colour looks fantas- ular for its innovative appearance and the
tic!”, declared Shazad Rehman, Trading British apple” feedback on its flavour, and in particular its
Manager of the British chain. strong aroma, was also good”.


MARCH 2020



20 PRODUCTS








PINK LADY EUROPE
SERIOUS STEPS IN COMMITMENT CHARTER




At Fruit Logistica in Berlin, non-profit association Pink Lady Europe presented all the specific steps
and actions outlined in the Pink Lady Europe Commitment Charter. The association is going far be-
yond its marketing remit, demonstrating real environmental and social responsibility.




thus involving 100% of its members in
the new sustainability initiative.

Genuine commitment to real change
From February 2020, Pink Lady apples
will be offered in three new plastic-free
packs in retail stores: a 100% FSC-cer-
tified cardboard tray, a foil-sealed tray
made of fully compostable materi-
als and a compostable flow pack bag.
As part of the change in packaging, the
blister packing trays used for the sale of
single apples are already made of cellu-
lose. The association is thus responding
to consumer expectations and underpin-
ning its sustainability promise. A further
interim target for 2025 is the full trace-
ability of each individual Pink Lady ap-
ple from the orchard to the retail store.

Pink Lady Europe is setting out specif- 14 measures in the Pink Lady Europe Commitment Charter at a glance:
ic measures and targets for all growers, 1.Environment
sorters and distributors of the popular Expansion of agri-environmental measures by 2021
apples in a comprehensive Commitment Conservation of natural resources
Charter. From now on, the very best Reduction of single-use plastics
quality and an improved carbon footprint Climate-neutral production chain in Europe by 2030
will give consumers even greater cer-
tainty when opting for Pink Lady apples. 2.Local economic and social measures
Safeguarding of employment in existing orchards
100% Pink Lady Support of young fruit growers
Pink Lady Europe hopes that the char- Dialogue between producers and neighbours
ter will improve sustainability along its Progress for producers
entire value chain. To achieve this, the
association is analysing and improving 3.Fair remuneration of all members
all processes along its production chain: Continuous improvement of working conditions
from work in the apple orchard to pack- Promotion of sustainability innovations
aging sites and distribution. The asso- Reduction of food waste
ciation is relying on the exchange of Transparency and trust with consumers
knowledge between growers, long-term
partnerships with industry experts and 4.Guarantee of healthy, natural and high-quality apples
continuous analysis of progress in all Full traceability of all apples
member companies. The association is Promotion of dialogue between producers and consumers



MARCH 2020



22 INTERPOMA








INTERPOMA CONGRESS
GERHARD DICHGANS IS THE NEW COORDINATOR


OF THE INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS DEDICATED TO THE APPLE



The 2020 edition of the world’s most important congress of the apple industry, organized by Fiera Bol-
zano during Interpoma, is going to witness major innovations, starting with its name and that of the
coordinator. Renamed Interpoma Congress, it will be coordinated by Gerhard Dichgans, who was at
the helm of South Tyrol’s VOG Consortium for many years until last summer.




Interpoma is not just an exhibition. The in-
ternational trade show dedicated to the pro-
duction, marketing and storage of apples,
organized by Fiera Bolzano (South Tyrol/It-
aly) has always been a reference point for
all those in the sector who wish to obtain
comprehensive information and news about
trends in the global apple industry. During
the first two days of the event – on Thursday
19th and Friday 20th November 2020 – the
international congress is going to take place,
with a new look, a new name and a new co-
ordinator. Interpoma Congress is the name
replacing the traditional title of “The Apple
in the World”, while Kurt Werth, the original
creator and coordinator of the congress, will
hand over to Gerhard Dichgans, an expert in
the apple market who has been the Director
of the VOG apple-growing consortium for al-
most 30 years. “I am very proud of this new
role and I am honoured to be able to offer the The Congress will have three sessions, each communicate properly on social media. The
apple sector the experience I have gained marked by a central theme: the first two are second session is going to focus on climate
over many years of work: I have an up-to- going to take place on Thursday, 19th No- change and globalisation, which confront
the-minute and international vision of the vember, to be followed by the award cere- the apple-growing and fruit farming busi-
opportunities presented at this time of great mony of the first edition of the Interpoma ness with major challenges in terms of adap-
ferment”, states Gerhard Dichgans. “The In- Award; the final session is going to be held tation. In this context new alien species and
terpoma Congress is once again going to be in the morning of the next day. invasive insects are going to be at the cen-
a unique occasion to keep up with the lat- The focus of the first session is going to be ter of discussion. The second part of the af-
est trends. The central topic of the 2020 edi- the contrast between the world of produc- ternoon is going to witness the presentation
tion will be the major changes, challenges tion and that of the consumer. This first ses- of new rootstock breeding programs, chal-
and opportunities of the world of the apple.” sion is going to investigate why consumers lenging the actual predominance of the “old”
are asking producers for ever more certifica- M9-rootstock which has been the standard
The structure tions and guarantees for healthy products, for many years in apple orchard systems.
of the Intepoma Congress yet at the same time are not prepared to The final session is going to be dedicated to
What’s not going to change is the profes- pay a fair price for a quality product. Experts the USA, which represents a market under-
sional quality of the contributors and the are going to discuss sustainable agriculture going radical change, especially with regard
content that has distinguished Interpoma and finally address the issues of fake news, to its range of varieties and breeding pro-
as a leading congress for eleven editions. how to defend against attacks and how to grams.



MARCH 2020

INTERPOMA 2020
FOCUS ON VARIETAL INNOVATION




Scheduled to take place from November 19-21 in Bolzano (South Tyrol/Italy), the event program of
the 12th edition of Interpoma, the international trade show for the cultivation, the storage and the
marketing of apples, is beginning to take form. Among this year’s new additions is going to be the In-
terpoma Award, an award reserved to projects that have significantly contributed to the sound devel-
opment of the apple industry.



The world of apples is in considerable want to be part of this success, but still
ferment. Traditional varieties that have have to prove themselves in terms of
characterized the global market for ma- quality and the ability to win over con-
ny decades are facing a crisis of overpro- sumers. To give a further impetus to in-
duction: they struggle to win over con- novation in the apple sector, the upcom-
sumers, while fruit growers can often ing edition of Interpoma has a special
no longer cover the costs of production. new event in store: a prize to honour in-
New and promising varieties, on the oth- novative ideas and projects in the glob-
er hand, are widening the range in sales al apple business – the so called Inter-
outlets, offering new and exciting tastes poma Award. The award is going to be
and sensory qualities that are some- presented during the trade show, then
times superior to the standard product. again once every two years, with each
This environment of major and sudden edition dedicated to a specific topic. The
changes is also witnessing the holding first edition in 2020 will concentrate on
of the 12th edition of Interpoma, the on- varietal innovation: therefore the award
ly event entirely dedicated to the world could either go to a new type of breed-
of the apple worldwide, which is going to ing program, a new apple variety or a
take place from November 19-21 2020 marketing project whose proven suc-
in Bolzano (South Tyrol/Italy). Thanks cess has been able to significantly as-
to the success of the past editions, over sist the global apple industry. The candi-
20,000 experts from the global apple The past edition date projects will be evaluated by a jury
sector are expected to visit – the past of experts appointed by Fiera Bolzano,
edition in 2018 saw 70 countries repre- in numbers the organizer of Interpoma.
sented – and preparations are well un-
der way: While the list of exhibitors is Numerous initiatives
already almost complete, the event pro- The 2018 edition Moreover, numerous other initiatives
gram is beginning to take form. of Interpoma was held are going to enrich the event program of
Interpoma 2020, both inside and outside
Following on an exhibition area of the exhibition halls: Interpoma Taste,
the trends of the reality 25,000 m², with an area where visitors can taste numer-
The central topic of the edition 2020 ous apple based products that are yet to
is going to be varietal innovation. New 490 exhibitors make their market debut; or BZ loves Ap-
varieties of apples are entering the mar- ples, an initiative that is going to trans-
ket with great success: many of these from 24 different form entire city of Bolzano into a true
are protected by a varietal patent, the countries. It capital of the apple, with a series of
result of careful selection from public or events aimed to attract locals and tour-
private breeding programs, often mar- welcomed 20,000 ists: tastings, showcookings and trips to
keted under their own brand. New taste the vast orchards around Bolzano, to dis-
profiles and superior sensory character- visitors, with 25% cover the places where South Tyrolean
istics are shifting consumer choices to- from abroad representing apples begin their life cycle. Finally, there
wards these new varieties, with a ma- are the traditional Interpoma Tours, guid-
jor impact on the market and the sales a total of 70 different ed tours reserved to traders and the me-
success of traditional varieties. Sub- dia, which offer first-hand experiences of
sequently, the offer is constantly grow- countries. the most innovative production and pro-
ing, boosted by many new varieties that cessing plants in South Tyrol.



MARCH 2020

Chatzidakis S.A.






COOLING FACILITIES | PACKING HOUSE


IMPORTS - EXPORTS























Feel the taste!














































15th km. Larisa - Tirnavos,
401 00 Larisa Greece
Τel.: 2490 25301-2 | Fax: 24920 25303
Central Fruit & Vegetable Market of Athens Κ 28, 30
182 33 Ag. Ioannis Rentis, Attiki Greece
Τel.: 210 4838195 | Fax: 210 4838196
E-mail: [email protected]