Press release
New varieties and Sant'Orsola’s breeding innovations took center stage at Fruit Logistica 2026. The Trentino cooperative’s know-how captured the attention of producers attending the trade fair in Berlin.
Michele Plancher, General Manager of Sant'Orsola: “Berlin once again proved to be the ideal setting to present and develop our breeding activities, fostering technical exchange, visibility and new collaborations.”
Leading role at Fruit Logistica
Berry Village. Pergine Valsugana (Trento), Monday 9 February 2026. The Sant'Orsola cooperative concluded its participation in Fruit Logistica in Berlin as a key player at the world’s leading fresh produce trade fair, which reached its 33rd edition over the weekend.
The new varieties and product innovations, together with the breeding activities showcased by the Trentino-based cooperative — along with its entire range of strawberries and berries, including zero-residue options — attracted even more Italian and international producers, as well as multinational companies, to its stand compared to previous years.
In particular, its three new varieties of raspberry plants — more resistant and significantly more productive than traditional ones — identified as SOU2153, SOU0182 and SOBU0796 — sparked strong interest among multinational groups, nurseries and Italian and international growers.
Major companies entering the raspberry market recognized Sant'Orsola’s innovation as the only solution currently capable of withstanding and overcoming the damage caused by climate change to raspberry plants and production.
Research, experimentation and visibility
“Berlin once again proved to be the ideal setting to present and develop our breeding activities, fostering technical exchange, visibility and new collaborations,” commented Sant'Orsola General Manager Michele Plancher at the close of the trade fair.
Continuous research, experimentation and development have placed the cooperative at the center of attention among the world’s leading berry brands present in Berlin, with whom it has signed agreements and established joint research, experimentation and breeding programs.
Industry operators regard Sant'Orsola not only as a key commercial partner but also as a driver of innovation and sector development, constantly drawing on its know-how for their benefit.
This enables the cooperative to further expand its international penetration in the berry sector, which is becoming increasingly global — as the Berlin event clearly demonstrated.
Internationalization and resilience
In Berlin, the cooperative was able to further strengthen relationships with key global players in the berry market, expanding a network that enhances trade exchange and brand recognition at a global level.
Moreover, it is increasingly reinforcing its role not only as a producer but also as an importer on the Italian and international markets, in order to meet the needs of customers and member growers.
This provides a note of optimism for the latter, despite the widespread challenges of a period marked by climate crises and geopolitical and economic imbalances.
Text source: Sant'Orsola
Cover image source: Stant'Orsola
Internal images source: Italian Berry
