“Quality and continuity remain our primary daily commitments,” explained Gerhard Eberhöfer, Organic Manager at VIP. “They are the result of a structured supply chain, consolidated expertise and rigorous management at every stage of production.”
Continuity and planning as competitive advantages
VIP’s production model ensures high standards and reliable year-round availability of organic apples. Production planning and efficient volume management enable the organisation to respond promptly to the needs of European retailers.
The portfolio includes traditional valley varieties such as Golden, Gala and Pinova, alongside more recent introductions such as Cosmic Crisp®, Kanzi® and Natyra®, broadening the offering and diversifying commercial positioning.
“Thanks to our daily commitment, we can guarantee annual supply across different varieties with consistent quality. Satisfactory prices are essential to ensure stable incomes for our growers and safeguard the future of the family-run farms in Val Venosta,” Eberhöfer added.
Technology supporting quality
System reliability is also underpinned by strict quality controls supported by technological innovation.
Christian Gamper, Head of Quality at VIP, highlighted the use of hot water treatment for the Pinova variety to reduce storage decay, as well as the optimisation of DCA storage for Gala apples, where advanced sensors regulate the minimum oxygen level required to preserve quality until marketing.
Biodiversity as a structural element of the model
Beyond technology, VIP placed strong emphasis on biodiversity protection in the orchards of Val Venosta. The organisation monitors its environmental commitment through the ELLA assessment, a tool based on 53 ecological measures grouped into nine categories.
The system, developed in collaboration with the South Tyrol Advisory Centre for Fruit Growing and organic producers, involves more than 250 farms, many certified under BIOLAND, Naturland and DEMETER standards.
Implemented measures include:
hedges and shrubs for wildlife (70% of farms)
RELATED NEWS: VIP: focus on strategic networks and international vision
nesting boxes for birds (67%)
dry stone walls and flower strips for pollinators (62%)
bee shelters (47%)
VIP underlined that biodiversity, innovation and economic sustainability are not isolated elements, but integrated components of its production model.
With its participation in Biofach 2026, VIP strengthened its position as a benchmark player in the European organic market, demonstrating that environmental responsibility, supply continuity and economic viability can successfully coexist within the organic segment.
