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VIP strengthens its organic presence in the European market after a highly successful summer season
An exceptional summer season for VIP's organic apples. This is confirmed by Gerhard Eberhöfer, the Bio Product Manager, who explains: "The availability of organic apples in Europe was very limited, and VIP was among the few players able to meet market demand with a consistently high-quality product, thereby fending off the entry of organic apples from Southern Hemisphere countries".
The organic apple campaign perfect timing like never before
VIP's strength lies in its continuous supply of organic produce throughout the year. Gerhard Eberhöfer adds: "With limited but well-planned volumes, we will be able to supply our customers with organic Golden apples from the 2023-24 season until early October, when the new organic Golden apples will be launched. As for red and bi-coloured organic apples, stocks ran out in mid-August, aligning perfectly with the start of the new organic Gala apple harvest. In my 23 years working with VIP’s organic produce, I have never seen such impeccable timing: the last kilo from the previous season was gone just as the new harvest began!".
Dry climate, cooperative strategy, and dedicated facility this is how VIP excels in organic
For the new organic season, a 10% drop in volumes is expected in Val Venosta compared to last year, against an even greater decline across Europe, where the 2023 organic apple harvest was already below average.
While many farming areas are phasing out organic hectares due to hostile climatic conditions, which demand more invasive treatments to avoid total crop loss, Val Venosta enjoys particularly favourable conditions. The dry microclimate, with its 500 mm of annual rainfall, is ideal for apples. Eberhöfer explains: "For organic farming, low humidity and minimal rainfall during the flowering period are essential, and these conditions are met in Val Venosta. 2024 has been unusual, with spring rains even in Val Venosta, but still far less than in other regions".
At least three other factors contribute to VIP's success in organic apples. First, the fact that organic has always been central to the Consortium's strategy: "For over 25 years, organic has been a flagship of our organisation, receiving significant attention" says Eberhöfer. Second, the strength of the sales team. Every VIP salesperson, regardless of their market, also handles organic products, ensuring that VIP can ‘think big’ and supply organic products to markets around the world. Third, VIP boasts a 100% organic-dedicated facility, equipped with 12 packaging lines and an automated warehouse, ensuring timely order fulfillment. Eberhöfer adds: "When the market demands, we are ready to deliver”.
VIP's strength lies in its continuous supply of organic produce throughout the year. Gerhard Eberhöfer adds: "With limited but well-planned volumes, we will be able to supply our customers with organic Golden apples from the 2023-24 season until early October, when the new organic Golden apples will be launched. As for red and bi-coloured organic apples, stocks ran out in mid-August, aligning perfectly with the start of the new organic Gala apple harvest. In my 23 years working with VIP’s organic produce, I have never seen such impeccable timing: the last kilo from the previous season was gone just as the new harvest began!".
Dry climate, cooperative strategy, and dedicated facility this is how VIP excels in organic
For the new organic season, a 10% drop in volumes is expected in Val Venosta compared to last year, against an even greater decline across Europe, where the 2023 organic apple harvest was already below average.
While many farming areas are phasing out organic hectares due to hostile climatic conditions, which demand more invasive treatments to avoid total crop loss, Val Venosta enjoys particularly favourable conditions. The dry microclimate, with its 500 mm of annual rainfall, is ideal for apples. Eberhöfer explains: "For organic farming, low humidity and minimal rainfall during the flowering period are essential, and these conditions are met in Val Venosta. 2024 has been unusual, with spring rains even in Val Venosta, but still far less than in other regions".
At least three other factors contribute to VIP's success in organic apples. First, the fact that organic has always been central to the Consortium's strategy: "For over 25 years, organic has been a flagship of our organisation, receiving significant attention" says Eberhöfer. Second, the strength of the sales team. Every VIP salesperson, regardless of their market, also handles organic products, ensuring that VIP can ‘think big’ and supply organic products to markets around the world. Third, VIP boasts a 100% organic-dedicated facility, equipped with 12 packaging lines and an automated warehouse, ensuring timely order fulfillment. Eberhöfer adds: "When the market demands, we are ready to deliver”.
100% VIP organic producers certified by Bioland, Naturland or Demeter perfect standards for Germany
After Italy, Germany is the most important market for VIP’s organic apples. A strategic and vast market, given that at least one million Germans regularly consume organic products and appreciate the highest standards.
VIP perfectly meets these standards, with 100% of its producers certified by Bioland, Naturland or Demeter. In Germany, the organic apple harvest is expected to be scarce, and VIP is ready to maintain a steady supply to the market.
Eberhöfer explains that the German market is characterised by large discount and supermarket chains, which require well-organised, large-scale suppliers, alongside specialised organic shops that seek premium products. He concludes: "VIP? We have the capability to meet both needs”.
Spain: similar tastes to Italy and strong growth potential
"The Spanish market, in terms of taste, is very similar to the Italian market and we have the right varieties to satisfy their consumers and attract new customers" says Gerhard Eberhöfer. "VIP's potential in this country is enormous, and we must continue to grow”.
Many marketing initiatives are planned, sometimes with the simple aim of allowing Spanish consumers to taste organic products they may never have tried before.
Fruit Attraction 2024 (October 8-10), where VIP will participate, will be an excellent opportunity to explore new business opportunities in the organic sector.
After Italy, Germany is the most important market for VIP’s organic apples. A strategic and vast market, given that at least one million Germans regularly consume organic products and appreciate the highest standards.
VIP perfectly meets these standards, with 100% of its producers certified by Bioland, Naturland or Demeter. In Germany, the organic apple harvest is expected to be scarce, and VIP is ready to maintain a steady supply to the market.
Eberhöfer explains that the German market is characterised by large discount and supermarket chains, which require well-organised, large-scale suppliers, alongside specialised organic shops that seek premium products. He concludes: "VIP? We have the capability to meet both needs”.
Spain: similar tastes to Italy and strong growth potential
"The Spanish market, in terms of taste, is very similar to the Italian market and we have the right varieties to satisfy their consumers and attract new customers" says Gerhard Eberhöfer. "VIP's potential in this country is enormous, and we must continue to grow”.
Many marketing initiatives are planned, sometimes with the simple aim of allowing Spanish consumers to taste organic products they may never have tried before.
Fruit Attraction 2024 (October 8-10), where VIP will participate, will be an excellent opportunity to explore new business opportunities in the organic sector.
