Sais varieties collocation in the sophisticated Uruguyan market

We have interviewed Ing. Nestor Ivaldi, responsible for R.D. of Millacar, distributor of SAIS brand in Uruguay since the 90s.

“Contrary to what you might think, the horticultural market of Uruguay, a very small country with only 3,5 million people, is very demanding in terms of quality – underlines el Ing. Ivaldi – horticultural producers must be very efficient with high quality and varied  production. There are two clearly defined production areas. One close to the capital Montevideo, where the population is concentrated and consequently the consumption, saving transport costs, and another very important in the area of Salto, in the North Uruguay. This area extends for 500 km to Ecuador, with productions in the autumn and winter period under wooden greenhouses for the market of Montevideo, thanks to higher temperatures and less cloudiness”.

“Today I would like to introduce you two varieties of the SAIS offer particularly cultivated in these areas. Basil Superbo, particularly appreciated by consumers, mainly descendants of Italians, for its flavour, colour and production. We are also planting increasing quantities of the variety Gemini, tolerant to Downy Mildew and Fusarium Oxysporum. It is cultivated in greenhouses starting from autumn, with a double plastic protection”.

“The second variety is the grape tomato 116 SA 961 F1. Grape type is gaining market share in Uruguay depsite a bigger demand of labour during the harvest phase, thanks to higher realisation prices. The new variety 116 SA 961, which follows an other cherry variety of SAIS, Dolcetto F1, stands out for its large size, a very bright colour and lack of cracks. There are characteristics that have contributed to make it a variety much requested by the local producers”.