The 2014 season in Puglia did not start very well: heavy rain and hailstorms damaged all early varieties. "If things were to improve in the next few days, we might be able to save Ferrovia cherries, which are the most important."
Orchidea Frutta collects the cherries from over 300 growers. The produce is partly selected on fields and is then "hyro-cooled", graded, selected again, stored in cold storage rooms and shipped to the various markets.
"30-40% of our production is shipped abroad mainly to Belgium, Holland and Germany. The rest is destined to the Italian market. As regards the other fruit we grow, we send 50% of it abroad."
On average, Orchidea Frutta handles 3,500 tons of cherries per year, half of which are of the Ferrovia variety. "In 2013, we managed to grow 3,700 tons, whereas this year we will consider ourselves lucky if we'll manage to reach 2,700 tons."
The first detachments of Ferrovia have already been carried out. "We are only talking about a small amount of fruit, but the colour is good and the quality is satisfactory. We will start harvesting between this and next week and will continue until late June." Other late varieties are Sweet Heart and other Sweet cherries.
The company sells the produce under its own brand. "We are recognisable abroad, where Ferrovia cherries are very much appreciated for their aroma and shelf-life. Our goal is to become even more competitive."
Contacts:
Orchidea Frutta S.r.l.
Via Zara 41
70018 Rutigliano (BA)
Tel.: (+39) 080 4761003
Fax: (+39) 080 4768541
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.orchideafrutta.it
