Between November and May, Italy is among the main suppliers of mixed salad to Northern Europe. "We manage to keep up with demand the whole year round. The type of salad depends on the time of year, but usually it includes lettuce, corn salad, rocket, baby spinach and oriental salad," explains Cinzia Busana, CEO of "L'insalata dell'Orto".
The company, located near Venice, handles 3,565 tons of produce each year, 70% of which is then exported. "The Dutch market is one of our main destinations, followed by North-Eastern Europe, Russia, Estonia, Lithuania, Moldavia, Ukraine and the Arab Emirates."
"30% of the produce we export goes to the processing industry, whereas the rest is sent to retailers and markets. Usually, the unwashed produce travels in refrigerated trucks, so its shelf-life can reach 15 days."
"We are affected by competition from other countries very little, except maybe for Spain, though it does not reach our same standards. As regards prices, they are a bit lower this year because it is warmer and there is a lot of produce."
Contacts:
L'Insalata Dell'Orto srl
Cinzia Busana
Via Giare, 144/a
30030 Mira
Tel.: (+39) 041 5675206
Fax: (+39) 041 5675100
Email: cinzia.busana@linsalatadellorto.it
Web: www.linsalatadellorto.it