VIP Val Venosta successfully concludes a complex organic season

The 2025 review: successful management of a complex and challenging season

Gerhard Eberhöfer, VIP’s Organic Sales Manager, states: “The season drawing to a close required extraordinary commitment and a profound capacity for commercial adaptability. Faced with record-high European organic production and a German market heavily dominated by local produce, VIP successfully expanded its distribution network, acquiring new customers and consolidating volumes with existing partners.”

This success was made possible by the foresight of past investments, driven by the growers’ consistent quality policy: the VIP organic packing facility, one of the most modern and largest in Europe, managed the workload, absorbing logistical difficulties exacerbated by recent tensions in the Middle East. Deliveries of the 2025 harvest will conclude by early September, with the exception of the Golden Delicious variety, which will maintain its legendary 12-month availability, ensuring a seamless transition to the new harvest from October.

VIP successfully expanded its distribution network, acquiring new customers and consolidating volumes with existing partners

2026/27 outlook: altitude and water management combatting climate change

The 2026 production year presented significant climatic challenges, with a hotter-than-average summer and low rainfall. In this scenario, the altitude of the Val Venosta apple orchards (situated between 500 and 1,100 metres) proved to be a crucial advantage, mitigating the high temperatures.

Furthermore, the constant water availability, managed for decades through efficient drip irrigation systems, safeguarded agricultural activity. In terms of quality, the excessive heat in August affected the colouration of the Gala variety, which is good but different from the excellent levels of past years. The other red and bicoloured varieties, on the other hand, should benefit from the cooler weather forecast for September, developing optimal pigmentation.

Stable volumes and a 12-month supply guarantee

Looking at the quantitative data, the 2026 harvest stands at excellent volumes, recording only a slight decrease of 5% compared to the previous year. This figure allows VIP to confirm its top position in the European organic sector. The organisation thus renews its most important promise to buyers in large-scale retail and specialised channels: total product availability for twelve months a year, ensuring continuity, service, and reliability.

The organisation thus renews its most important promise: total product availability for twelve months a year

Despite international turbulence, official statistics confirm that the organic sector continues its solid growth trend in most European countries. In this dynamic landscape, VIP’s promise to individual retail chains remains strong and unchanged: to guarantee a professional supply to the organic market for all 12 months of the year, built on punctual deliveries, reliable service, and superior quality.