EVENTI

In this recent exclusive interview with Nuno Passadinhas, Director of Fresh Products at Auchan Retail, Portugal, Italian Berry delved into the importance of the berry category for Auchan and its remarkable growth, with a particular focus on blueberries.

La rilevazione dell'Osservatorio Prezzi della GDO italiana si è svolta in data 09/11/2023 nella zona urbana di Verona e ha interessato 20 punti vendita di 20 insegne appartenenti a 13 gruppi della grande distribuzione.

Fall Creek has introduced a new blueberry selection called FCM14-057. Suitable for low-chill climates, it has distinctive characteristics in terms of shelf life, size and productivity. It has been planted in test fields throughout Peru since 2014 and has achieved very satisfactory results.

Prices were generally stable in the Italian retail basket this week. There was slight growth for raspberries with +5%, while blueberries fell by -3.2%. There was also a drop in references, which fell by 16% with a total of 48.

Globarl prices were stable in week 45, with a slight increase in references, together with prices, which showed an increase over last week on 18% of the products surveyed.

Grey mould and other fungi, responsible for fruit rot, lead to significant economic losses and food waste. Researchers have found that compounds derived from sunflower production waste are effective in combating blueberry mould in post-harvest conditions.

Portugal ranks fourth among blueberry producers in the Europe-North Africa region, with a production of 18,000 tonnes in 2022. Exports are directed mainly to Spain, France and the Netherlands, with +35% in 2022.

Index slightly up at +1.8% due to growth in the standard segment. All other segments remained stable with organic slightly down. Total references also increased, with the average per sign reaching 3.5 references.

The general price index of the Italian retail declined. Raspberries down 1.5%, accompanied by blueberries at -3.3%. Stable situation for redcurrants.

In this exclusive interview with Italian Berry, Hamid Ashrafi talks about the history and the achievements of blueberry breeding at North Carolina State University as a testament to almost a century of dedication, innovation and relentless commitment to the advancement of blueberry cultivation.