Mild temperatures during winter caused some problems for the tomato sector at the beginning of 2014 but at the moment the European campaign is going well.
FreshPlaza contacted Ignazio Manca, sales manager for Cooperativa Santa Margherita Terra e Sole for a comment.
"Fragolino, Minuetto, Cupifo and Baci di Sole are more suitable for European consumers, who look for sweeter and stronger flavours. Domestically, demand is higher for beef and Majorie tomatoes."
Minuetto is a "Mini San Marzano". Grade: 25/30 30/35; Sugar content: 7/8 degrees Brix; Storing temperature: 8/10°C; Shelf-life: 15/18 days from harvesting; Production: October/June.
The Cooperative is working well with Switzerland, is growing in Austria and things are going excellent in Germany and Denmark. "We also tried to work with Russia but the recent events made it more difficult. Eastern Europe might still be a target."
Quantities and prices are in line with past years, "there were some difficulties in early 2014 because of an exceptional increase in volumes but things are back to normal."
Competition is fierce and therefore prices are very important. "In autumn-winter, the main competitors are Sicily and Spain, whereas in spring-summer, they are the Netherlands and Belgium."
Baci di Sole tomatoes. Grade: 20/30 30/35; Bunch: 8/10 fruits; Sugar content: 6/8 degrees Brix; Storing temperature: 8/10 °C; Shelf-life: 15 days from harvesting; Production: year-round.
Ignazio Manca adds that R&D has slowed down due to the crisis, "but is does not mean companies are idle, as they are preparing for when things will be back to normal. That is what we are doing: we are testing various varieties for when the purchasing power is higher."
For further information:
Ignazio Manca - sales manager
Società Cooperativa Santa Margherita Terra e Sole
09010 PULA (CA)
Tel.: (+39) 070 9208011
Fax: (+39) 070 9208269
Cell.: (+39) 348 7010557
Email: i.manca@saporedisole.it
Web: www.saporedisole.it