One of the many results of Fruit Attraction is that white strawberries will start to be cultivated in the Basilicata region. The flavor is similar to pineapples (hence the name of the fruit, pineberry) and they have very ancient origins from a spontaneous crossbreed occurred 200 years ago.
“We have signed an interesting deal with US company EMCO CAL that enabled us to become the exclusive licensee in Italy for the production and commercialization of Florida Pearl pineberries. Transplants of bare-root fresh plants will start in a few days’ time, so the first fruits will become available around Christmas and until May. Quotations are higher than those for red strawberries,” said Loris Gentile, president of the Gentile Group cooperative.
Loris Gentile and José e Jon
“Next season, we will only be supplying some big retail chains and a few general markets in northern and central Italy. A small part of the production, around 15%, will be exported in Europe (Germany, France and Austria) in order to get feedback from operators and final consumers on the Italian produce and maybe extend the project already for the 2023/24 campaign.”
The lack of pigmentation means the fruits have a white flesh and skin, yet red achenes. “The productive behavior of white strawberries is similar to that of traditional red ones, though grades are smaller. In addition, fruits are more delicate, therefore more sensitive to rubbing and bruising, especially in the warmer periods (April-May).”
Francesca Quinto, co-founder of Gentile Group, commented that “white strawberries are mostly popular in the H&R sector, but fresh consumption seems to be growing too. Our mission is not to replace red strawberries, but rather to widen the range of berries available. We want to start producing these fruits also in other regions in northern Italy, as they are better positioned from a strategic point of view and are closer to the markets.”
For further information:
Gentile Group
Via S. Valicenti, 6
75025 – Policoro (Mt)
(+39) 379 2280437
direzione@gentilegroupitalia.it
gentilegroupitalia.it
A source: https://news.italy24.press
