"We start selling the fruit from Basilicata and greenhouse varieties (Ninga Thyrintos and Mogador) at the end of April, then we go on with the Antonio Errani, Aurora, Orange Rubis, Bella Imola, Reale d'Imola, Flopria, Bell'Italia, Flodea and Nella varieties."
From late May to early July, apricots from the Vesuvio area are available: Vitillo, Ceccona, San Castrese, Cafona, Boreale, Portici, Baracca andPellecchiella, the "queen of apricots".
"Apricots are the most cultivated fruit in the Vesuvio area, as the volcanic nature of the soil give them a characteristic flavour."
Apricot plants are part of the same family of roses. They originated in China over 4,000 years ago. Then, they travelled through Central Asia and arrived in Armenia, where they were discovered by Alexander the Great. It was the Greeks who first distributed the fruit around the Mediterranean, and they called them "crisòmelos", i.e. golden apples.
The company also produces nectarines. "We start with the Big Top, Big Ben and Laura varieties from Basilicata and then we go on with Rich Lady, Stark Red Gold and Caldese from Emilia-Romagna."
The company also produces nectarines. "We start with the Big Top, Big Ben and Laura varieties from Basilicata and then we go on with Rich Lady, Stark Red Gold and Caldese from Emilia-Romagna."
From June to December, there are also plums. "The most popular varieties are Goccia d'Oro, San Pietro, Sangue di Drago, Regina Claudia, Fortuna, TC Sun and Angeleno."
"2013 was a good year for summer fruit, and prices were good. This year is totally different, especially because of the weather, as spring was really rainy and summer is failing to show up."
"We have a direct relationship with our growers and we visit production areas periodically to monitor the crops. This way, we can manage our campaign better."
The company also supports its producers for what concerns new varieties - especially as regards apricots - to increase yields and improve organoleptic qualities.
"We sell our produce mainly to domestic markets, especially those in Northern-Central Italy (70%), but part of our produce is also sold to chains (10%) and retailers (20%) Only 10% of the produce is exported, especially to France and Germany."
Albafrutta has recently invested in a machine designed specifically for its needs - it is a mini-processing line for produce in bins. It unloads fruit gently and halves the processing times.
"We sell our produce mainly to domestic markets, especially those in Northern-Central Italy (70%), but part of our produce is also sold to chains (10%) and retailers (20%) Only 10% of the produce is exported, especially to France and Germany."
Albafrutta has recently invested in a machine designed specifically for its needs - it is a mini-processing line for produce in bins. It unloads fruit gently and halves the processing times.
The objective is to combine it with a brushing machine to supply a product that looks better, however, current regulations forbid wholesalers from having such a machine.
"We hope that, in a not too distant future, our needs will be addressed. We do our best to promote our companies and meet the needs of clients, but regulations need to help us."
Albafrutta also sells myagawa, oranges, clementines and tangerines between September and May.
For further info:
Albafrutta srl
Viale Piemonte c/o MOF - Stand E1
04022 Fondi (Latina) - Italy
Tel.: (+39) 0771 531583
Fax: (+39) 0771 519630
Email: albafrutta@mof.it