The Flavia strawberry variety is a valid alternative according to operators and is producing excellent results this year too. It is a very early variety developed by Consorzio Italiano Vivaisti-CIV and destined to the Mediterranean area. Rocco Albini, producer from Basilicata and owner of L'oro del Sud and Melidoro Rita, worked with Salvi Vivai to start producing Flavia.
For years, Albini focused on other typical varieties then, three years ago, he decided to destine part of his hectares to the production of the new Flavia variety.
"I was looking for a variety that would work well in terms of both quantity and quality. I talked to Salvi Vivai technicians and identified Flavia as an excellent opportunity. We started off with 6,000 plants, then decided to add more as the product is truly excellent. The Flavia orchard now covers approximately two hectares, i.e. 110,000 plants grown in a non-heated greenhouse."
"Plant stems grow erect and strawberries grow outside the foliage, therefore they are easy to reach. What is more, plants are resistant to diseases and do not need a lot of fertilizer, so management costs are rather limited. Salvi Vivai recommends this variety also due to its good adaptability to producing stubbles and to tired soils."
In addition, Flavia meets the requirements today's clients look for, i.e. excellent organoleptic qualities in a medium-grade fruit. "The Brix level is of around 10-12°, so the flavor is sweeter and more pleasant. What is more, fruits have a bright red color and a non-excessive diameter. The product has the same characteristics of top-of-the-range varieties from southern Italy, but it will take a lot of work to make it just as well-known."
Marxo Campagnare from the Padua market confirms the good quality of the fruit, "which has proved to have an excellent shelf-life and high sugar content."
Umberto Musso from the Milan market confirms that the product is "extremely valid: the resistance, organoleptic qualities and texture make these strawberries extremely interesting. It is at the same level of better-known varieties and brands from Basilicata."
Contacts:
Società Agricola Salvi Vivai s.s.
Via Bologna, 714
44124 Ferrara
Tel.: +39 (0)532 785511
Fax: +39 (0)532 785531
Email: info@salvivivai.it
Website: www.salvivivai.it