alpoma structures its operational activities into three core fields of action, which together are geared towards a future-oriented and competitive fruit sector, ranging from variety innovation and research to brand management and the administrative coordination of joint programmes.
The Innovation SK department is responsible for sourcing, assessing and selecting new apple varieties and alternative crops with potential for cultivation in South Tyrol. To this end, it works with a broad international network of breeding programmes, growing partners, variety managers, rights holders, propagation nurseries and marketers.
Once a promising variety has been identified, it is evaluated in three consecutive phases – in close coordination with the Laimburg Research Centre, the South Tyrolean Extension Service for Fruit- and Winegrowing and the member organisations:
Initial trials with 4–6 trees at two macroclimatic sites (Vadena, 220 m a.s.l., and Laces, 700 m a.s.l.) to assess agronomic suitability. Over a period of around 4 to 6 years, the variety is monitored to see how it develops under these different conditions.
Advanced trials with pilot rows of 50 to 100 trees at 3 to 5 microclimatically selected sites in South Tyrol. In parallel, sensory evaluations, storage tests and initial market tests are conducted.
Pre-commercial trials with 400–600 trees, in which the insights gathered to date on cultivation, crop management and fruit characteristics are deepened, forming the basis for the final decision on market launch.
In addition, alpoma obtains the necessary testing, cultivation and marketing licences from the variety owners. The department’s aim is to strengthen the long-term competitiveness of South Tyrol’s fruit-growing sector through variety innovation.
alpoma coordinates brand-strategic projects across the entire value chain – from planting to market development. The Branding department focuses in particular on managed variety projects during the pre-commercial phase and market launch and is responsible for external licence coordination. Implementation takes place together with members, sublicense holders and partners.
Strategic expansion of cultivation areas in close coordination with partners, as well as controlled propagation through licensed nurseries.
Implementation of binding cultivation standards and independent quality controls to ensure consistently high product quality.
Development and coordination of country-specific marketing plans based on consistent guidelines, ensuring coherent, target-audience-focused brand communication.
Management of market launches and systematic analysis of market data to further develop market-relevant measures.
Structured handling of licence agreements and ongoing exchange with partners to actively manage the brand.
alpoma is committed to coordinating and representing the shared interests of its members. It carries out all functions and activities provided for under EU and national regulations for associations of producer organisations, as well as those that serve the common interests of the cooperative.
A key instrument in this regard is the Operational Programmes in the fruit and vegetable sector. These programmes are strategically planned and managed by alpoma in line with the applicable EU, national and provincial requirements. They enable targeted measures to promote quality, sustainability, research, market development and the competitiveness of South Tyrol’s fruit industry.
The Administration Department is responsible for organising, coordinating and supporting all administrative processes within alpoma. It ensures that day-to-day operations run smoothly and that the conditions are in place for reliable collaboration with members, partners and public authorities.
