The headquarters of the Cooperative.
Established in 1959, CAB currently covers 9 hectares of white asparagus producing 60 tons per year and 2 hectares of green asparagus producing around 15 tons per year. In addition, there are another 250 hectares owned by its 64 partners producing tomatoes, lambs lettuce, cucumbers, courgettes, lettuce and cabbage as well.
White asparagus.
"As regards forced cultivation, there were no huge variations because we use basal heating - harvesting started only a few days earlier."
This year, CAB is expecting a 20% increase in production, though prices will be 20% lower on average. Zeno, Marte and Eros varieties are doing well, especially since they are more tolerant to fungi. "This means only a couple of treatments are needed."
The asparagus season lasts approximately 3 months (March, April and May). "As temperatures are rather good at the moment, growth is quick and the produce has better organoleptic qualities."
As regards competition, the chairman says that "asparagus are linked with the territory they are produced in. All the produce is distributed locally because supply is really fragmented and there are multiple local brands. This means there is no real competition, as foreign produce is not really appreciated."
"This in turn means that different prices depend solely on supply and demand, which fluctuate mainly around Easter and April 25th (St. Mark's Day)."
60-70% of the produce is destined to retailers, whereas the rest is sold locally. Asparagus are sold under the CAB brand. The Cooperative used to have a "no residue" certification but is now concentrating on obtaining certifications that will be more useful abroad.
Contacts:
Cooperativa Agricola Bibione
Via Pineda Destra, 11
30020 Bibione (VE) - Italy
Tel.: (+39) 043143446
Fax: (+39) 043143142
Giuseppe Basei
Mob.: (+39) 335 8262636
Email: cabibione@libero.it