Over one hundred people participated in "Lilibet Day" on 12 August. The event took place in Falicetto, a town in the province of Cuneo in the Piedmont region of Italy. It brought together a diverse group of professionals, including producers and technical specialists. A new early apple variety was presented. The presentation took place at an event held in the variety's first commercial plant. Sanifrutta organized the event to introduce Lilibet®, an early apple variety developed by the Italian Plant Nursery Consortium (CIV). Sanifrutta is the exclusive producer and marketer of Lilibet® in Europe.
© CIV - CONSORZIO ITALIANO VIVAISTI Soc. Cons.Lots of people on site on 12 August
"We have been studying this variety for over five years in different areas," explained Sanifrutta field technicians Alex Tallone and Alberto Boschero. "It is popular because of its early ripening, large size, bright color, and, most importantly, its flavor. It has excellent pigmentation even in low-altitude areas. The project plans to cultivate the variety not only in Piedmont but also in other regions and abroad, provided there is an agreement. It has excellent resistance to scab."
© CIV - CONSORZIO ITALIANO VIVAISTI Soc. Cons.The apple is bicolored and very sweet
Lilibet ripens early, about one week before Gala. It is bicolored, bright orange-red, with 50-60% color coverage in the most suitable areas. Its flesh is sweet and juicy with low acidity. It is an optimal size (75-85 mm) and is resistant to scab. This characteristic strengthens its sustainability and long shelf life. Its crispness and juiciness are guaranteed for over 10 months.
© CIV - CONSORZIO ITALIANO VIVAISTI Soc. Cons.From left: Alex Tallone, Andrea Farinelli, Elena Piccoli, and Alberto Boschero
"Lilibet is an Italian variety," explained Elena Piccoli, IP manager at CIV. "The first development project started in Piedmont thanks to the collaboration between CIV and Sanifrutta. Lilibet is a project we strongly believe in because it stems from our desire to offer the European market an early-season apple that tastes great, is naturally resistant, and is environmentally sustainable."
"Lilibet represents a new commercial opportunity and a shared challenge," continued Tallone and Boschero. "It involves promoting a new generation of Italian apples and developing a network of motivated, competent producers to support its growth in Europe. We are currently designing Lilibet's logo and brand identity, which are essential for its market positioning."
 © CIV - CONSORZIO ITALIANO VIVAISTI Soc. Cons. |  © CIV - CONSORZIO ITALIANO VIVAISTI Soc. Cons. |
"Piedmont is the ideal place to start this project, and the involvement of local producers shows that it has a lot of potential for growth in the coming years," concludes Andrea Farinelli, assistant breeder at the CIV.
For more information:
C.I.V. Consorzio Italiano Vivaisti
S.S. Romea 116
44020 San Giuseppe di Comacchio (FE) - Italy
+39 (0) 533 399431
[email protected]
www.civ.it