About ten days ago, the Apulian company Agricoper began harvesting its Cotton Candy grapes, and the initial data confirms that this will be a record-breaking season. With a sugar content of 23.4 Brix and an average size of 24 mm, this variety is solidifying its position in the global seedless grape market. It is recognized and appreciated for its unique cotton candy aftertaste.
Domenico Liturri, Agricoper's marketing and sales manager, reveals the secrets behind this success. He emphasizes that these parameters are not the result of chance, but rather a perfect balance of agronomic choices, climate, and technology. "Rigorous vineyard management, including targeted pruning, bunch selection, and balanced fertilization, combined with an ideal temperature range during the growing season, has contributed to this success. Constant monitoring instruments allow us to control sugars, berries, and phenolic ripening, ensuring that we only harvest at the optimal time," Liturri explains.
© Agricoper
Ensured excellence from the vineyard to the packaging
To maintain a consistent premium level throughout the campaign, Agricoper has developed an internal protocol. This protocol includes weekly sampling with Brix degree and gauge measurements, constant site visits by agronomists who provide exact instructions to the harvest teams, and manual, progressive selection of the bunches. "Only those that meet our standards reach the consumer," Liturri points out.
"We practice green pruning and targeted canopy management to ensure the bunches are properly exposed. Additionally, we practice targeted thinning and calibrated irrigation to enhance sweetness and crispness."
The value of the soil and the expertise gained through pioneering work
The most suitable vineyards are concentrated in the southeastern part of Bari, especially in the towns of Noicattaro, Rutigliano, Casamassima, and Acquaviva. The microclimate and soil composition of these areas offer optimal conditions for enhancing aromas and texture, which explains why the vineyards are concentrated in this area.
Many years of experience also play a decisive role. Agricoper was the first company to introduce Cotton Candy to Italy and was its exclusive distributor for several years. "This allowed us to develop unique expertise, create an exclusive agronomic protocol, and establish reliable relationships with major international buyers," Liturri adds. This competitive advantage is further strengthened by an iconic brand identity that successfully conveys the unique characteristics of this variety, setting it apart in global markets.
From a commercial standpoint, demand is growing strongly in all EU countries, while the Middle East and the Arabian Peninsula continue to be particularly promising markets.
© Agricoper
Driven by innovation and sustainability
Agricoper is committed not only to quality in the field but also to investing in technology and sustainability. Recently, the company introduced digital systems that use artificial intelligence to harvest and analyze agronomic data. This enables precise planning of harvest times. At the same time, great attention is paid to packaging, with innovative, sustainable solutions that enhance the product's premium positioning.
Cotton Candy as symbol of Italian quality
The company's premium positioning is represented by Cotton Candy, which is not only a successful variety but also a key component of Agricoper's strategy. It is an iconic product that embodies the union of tradition and innovation. It is the business card with which Agricoper presents its Italian grapes to the most demanding markets.
It's no coincidence that Cotton Candy started the "Grapes Festival" project, which has a similar brand identity featuring different colors for the Crunchy Dream, Ruby Dream, and Midnight Dream brands. "This way, we have created a special grape supply calendar that covers the whole season, from 15 July to 15 November. This ensures that our grapes are consistent and varied," concludes Liturri.
For more information:
Domenico Liturri - Marketing & Sales Manager
AGRICOPER by G. Liturri s.r.l.
S.p. per Torre a Mare Km 2,5
70016 Noicattaro (Bari) - Italy
+39 080 4780081
[email protected]
www.agricoper.it