On May 8–10, 2024, a delegation from the Ukrainian Horticulture Association (UHA) visited one of Europe’s most advanced horticultural companies — the nursery VIVAI MAZZONI in Italy — as part of the MacFrut trade fair in Rimini. The visit offered participants a unique insight into how science, technology, and practical experience are combined to cultivate high-quality garden strawberries, as well as other berry and vegetable crops.
What Ukrainian Berry Growers Discovered at VIVAI MAZZONI
1. Development of New Varieties
According to Antonio Ferrarese (Vivai Mazzoni), it takes around four years to develop a new variety with improved taste, shelf-life, and aroma characteristics. The delegation observed how modern R&D laboratories test genotypes — from high-chill (HC) to ever-bearing (EB) — to ensure plant adaptation to diverse climatic conditions.
2. Strict Quality Control
The quality and health of plants at Mazzoni are ensured through continuous monitoring of the production process, carried out by highly qualified technical personnel. Production follows the standards of the national genetic health certification system, implemented by Italy’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry (MIPAAF). The Ukrainian team saw firsthand how every stage — from dormancy induction to shipment — is carefully overseen by both public and private inspectors.
3. Optimal Production Locations
VIVAI MAZZONI has chosen four regions with different climatic characteristics to grow a broad range of plant material, from cold-hardy to subtropical varieties. Ukrainian growers witnessed how selecting the right locations, combined with modern greenhouse technologies, boosts productivity and reduces costs.
4. Combating Counterfeiting
Special attention was given to the issue of non-certified “tray” seedlings, which have flooded certain Eastern European markets.
5. Flavor Discoveries
Participants were most impressed by the strawberry varieties Ania (noted for its exceptional spicy aroma) and Dely (a balance of shelf-life and yield). For the Ukrainian market, Joly and Murano were highlighted as promising due to their high productivity and consistency.
Why This Matters
The VIVAI MAZZONI experience demonstrated that to remain competitive, Ukrainian producers must adopt an integrated approach — combining scientific innovation, high quality standards, and selection of optimal climatic conditions and varieties. These are precisely the practices UPOA aims to promote among its members to improve the quality and profitability of Ukrainian horticultural products.
MacFrut 2025: New Opportunities for Ukrainian Participants
This coming year, on May 6–8, 2025, the Ukrainian Horticulture Association will once again take part in MacFrut in Rimini. Key highlights will include:
- Presentation of Ukrainian innovations in berry and vegetable production;
- Direct networking with leading European nurseries and equipment suppliers;
- Exchange of expertise;
- Participation in conferences and exhibition events.
We invite all interested stakeholders to take this opportunity to explore global trends in fruit and vegetable production from the inside — at MacFrut 2025!
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