Local and most used table grape varieties in Italy

The production and consumption of table grapes is worldwide increasing, encouraged also by the nutraceutical properties of this fresh fruit. Until the end of the XX century, almost all table grape varieties were local and/or autochthonous, while the main present varieties are crosses obtained by public or private institutions in all Continents. The changes of the ampelographic table grape platform is related to the market demand and, in particular, to the need of productive cultivars and grapes both attractive and resistant to the transport at long distance. Recently, the consumers are also looking for table grapes having a typical taste, different from that of the standardized international varieties, that, moreover, are often harvested before their full maturation, in order to reach the market as soon as possible and get the highest price. The local cultivars are well adapted to their specific environments, included the cool areas ; the best varieties could satisfy the particular consumer demand and be suitable for the so called ‘zero kilometer’ market.