Because it did not rain when carrots were sprouting (October/November 2012), yields dropped from 600 quintals per hectare to only 380. There were no benefits for producers nor clients. "Because of this, this year many European retailers are working on supply programmes for €0.47-0.50/kg for big bags and €0.73-0.78 for trays so things are looking good for next spring."
"The secret for our clients is to contact a good supplier that also grows and packages produce. It is not that easy for supermarkets though, as often they deal with foreign packers that buy the produce where it costs less."
"There are not many companies that can supply organic carrots from March to July and therefore it no longer makes sense to try and get a few cents more from mediators and agencies."
While in Italy organic carrots represent only a minimum part of those sold, abroad quantities are almost the same. Norway has a 50-50 ratio, in Denmark 42% are organic and in Germany they represent 35% of the carrot market.
"The most active markets are Switzerland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Austria. Germany, UK and France still use the old system and buy produce from local packers or agencies. This only works when there is a lot of produce though, as in fact last year quantities were small and many clients were left empty-handed as soon as they complained about quality," concludes Roberto Giadone.
Natura Iblea produces approximately 3,600 tons of organic new carrots, 30% of which are Pgi Ispica New carrots. It is equipped packaging lines for 500 grams and 1 and 2 kg bags, 750 grams and 1 kg trays, 5 and 10 kg wooden crates, 20 kg sacks and 1,000 kg big bags. It is currently the only packaging of organic new carrot plant with an IFS certificate.
Contacts:
Azienda agricola Natura Iblea srl
Roberto Giadone, general manager
Angele Guarneri Aragona, sales area French/Italian
Isabel Marc, sales area German/English/Italian
C.da Marabino
97014 Ispica (RG) - Sicilia - Italy
Tel. (+39) 0932 955696
Fax: (+39) 0932 954489
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.naturaiblea.it
