Join us, this week, as we introduce the newest section of the ARRA family - the ARRA Red Factor- where we also reveal the freshest ARRA tradenames. Then, you can see how India continues to make headlines. Finally, don't miss our new column, where we chat with international ARRA agronomists to learn more about their experiences and insights. Let's get started!

That’s why we’ve extended a line from very early to late red grape varieties that in many ways are game changers for the industry. Our ultimate red grape line includes varieties that are visually captivating, deliver a unique eating experience, boast unbeatable storage and shelf life capabilities.  Becoming ever more important, the varieties have the ability to thrive in diverse, extreme climates. Thanks to the Red Factor, our precise varietal harvesting sequence, we can stretch the grape season to its fullest potential. The ARRA Red Factor line introduces our three new trademarked reds, that join the commercial ARRA Passion Fire: ARRA Fire Kiss (ARD 42), ARRA Fire Crunch (ARD 35), and ARRA Cherry Crush (ARD 36). These exciting varieties will take the grape game to the next level.

The GGC, held last week, provided a platform for industry professionals to discuss a wide range of topics related to grape growing, agrotechnical equipment as well as inputs, and market trends. With this varied overview, attendees got a glimpse of what the future holds and how to adapt to changes or overcome the challenges ahead.
The virtual event was divided into two parts: the Asia Track and the Europe/Americas. During the Asia Track, Azhar Tambuwala of Sahyadri Farms gave an interesting interview titled “India’s Next Step.” Azhar shared that India is the second-largest grape producer in the world and all grapes are mainly sold in the strong local market with just a mere 5-10% exported. Sahyadri recognized, already a while back, the need for new varieties for their small and marginal growers to bring better profitability and sustainability for them and to stay competitive in the world markets. Ultimately, Sahyadri Farms partnered with Grapa, leading to the current plantation of ARRA varieties. The future looks bright as they plan to increase the plantation of these latest varieties, allowing for expansion to both new market destinations and consumers who are looking for premium standard.

As the Commercial Director of Grapa Varieties, Nomi Karniel Padan has had the opportunity to witness the impact of the company’s partnership with Sahyadri Farms first-hand.

During a recent visit to India, Nomi saw how Sahyadri Farms is empowering smallholder farmers in the horticulture sector and enabling them to compete with the best. Through their partnership and the introduction of the ARRA varieties table grape breeding program, they are bringing new and innovative solutions to the industry.

Nomi was inspired by their vision, mission, and commitment to making the world a better place for growers, and she’s excited to share their stories with others. In this article, Nomi will discuss the positive impact of Sahyadri Farms on the Indian horticulture sector and the innovative solutions they are bringing to the industry through their partnership with Grapa Varieties.

Read Nomi’s article here.

In the upcoming newsletter editions we will be sharing insightful interviews with some of our international agronomists.

Today we have put the spotlight on Luis Arancibia Molina, ARRA Agronomist at Grapasa, the ARRA Varieties agent in South America. We caught up with Luis who is part of the Grapasa Chile team, all of whose joint effort, hard work and professional approach make Grapasa what it is today.

Q: Hi Luis, could you please introduce yourself. How long have you been working in the table grape industry in Chile, and specifically with Grapa?

A: As an Agricultural Engineer from the Catholic University of Valparaiso, I have dedicated my career to the cultivation of table grapes. For more than 22 years, I worked for one of Chile’s largest fruit exporters, gaining extensive experience in all aspects of production and becoming intimately familiar with the challenges and efforts required to produce a box of table grapes for the most demanding and distant markets.

I have been collaborating with GRAPASA for the past eight years, working on the technical development of different ARRA varieties in Chile and Peru. Through visiting fields and conducting technical seminars in various regions, we aim to provide producers with the most accurate information on the evolution of management protocols.

Furthermore, our annual visits to California enable us to explore new varieties that have the potential to thrive in our hemisphere, paving the way for the development of new varietal alternatives and sharing knowledge with producers and technicians from all over the world.

Q: What are some of the challenges facing the table grape industry in Chile, and how can they be addressed?

A: A brief analysis of the industry is not easy, as it is going through difficult times and major adjustments. The table grape industry in Chile has undergone significant changes in the last decade. Peru has emerged as a relevant player, and varietal change has created a significant technical and commercial challenge. On top of that, the pandemic, drought, summer rainfall events, logistical crises, cost increases, and fumigation, among others, have further intensified the adversities. However, we remain committed to overcoming these obstacles. Surface areas will need to be adjusted, and there is a consensus that varietal change is a fundamental part of the solution because the market demands it.

ARRA Honey Pop & ARRA Fire Crunch

Q: How can ARRA varieties help the industry in Chile overcome these challenges?

A: Today, local development and validation of varieties are of great importance. GRAPA has always considered productivity, ease of management, production costs, and post-harvest life as equally relevant characteristics in the selection of varieties. At present, early and mid-season green and red varieties show great potential, having already demonstrated their worth in other countries. Our work focuses on assessing their behaviour in different production areas of Latin America.

Q: Is there a new or upcoming ARRA variety that you are particularly excited about?

A: Of the upcoming ARRA varieties, I am particularly excited about ARRA Honey Pop™ (ARRA 33) and ARRA Fire Crunch™ (ARD 35). We are currently testing them in different areas and look forward to showcasing them soon. Additionally, I believe that 3-4 more varieties in the early stage of introduction will be of great interest in the future, and we are eager to start evaluating them.

Q: To conclude, how would you describe your experience with ARRA varieties in one sentence?

A: Overall, my experience with ARRA varieties has been an inspiring process, with challenges that we are committed to addressing, as we strive to improve the table grape industry in Chile and beyond.

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