Italy: Growth in spring onions

Tokita has 90 years experience in the seed sector and has branches in Japan, US, India, China and Italy. The US market represents 15% of the total business volume, Italy accounts for 10% and the rest is represented by Asian markets.

Gregorio Padula, manager of the Italian branch, was interviewed on his assessment on 2014.

"We opened in 2008 and have grown a lot in the last few years. Tomatoes remain the most important segment for the company and, although so far we focused mostly on niche varieties, we will invest more in the future."

Sungreen and Sunchocola tomatoes - two varieties developed by Tokita.

Another product part of the Tokita assortment is spring onions, which are receiving positive feedback especially in China and the US. "They are getting quite popular in Italy and Northern Europe too. We cultivate 3-4 types for spring/summer/autumn transplants and there is also a specific one for winter transplants."

"The turnover for this product doubled with respect to 2013 and we have predicted a further 30% growth in 2015."

The main markets are Germany, UK and Spain. Italy is also starting to appreciate it. In the future, we will focus on Eastern Europe. Also, Tokita's spring onions are becoming increasingly popular thanks to their tolerance to downy mildew.

As regards the Russian ban, Padula comments that "it did not affect us much. The problems mostly hit the fruit sector, for example Polish apples, rather than the vegetable sector."

Tokita will take part in Fruit Logistica 2015 in Hall 1.2 - Stand A-18. Ike Tokita, chairman of the company, and Tokita Sementi Italia manager Gregorio Padula will attend. In addition to tomatoes, this year the company will also present a selection of Oriental melons.

Contacts:
Gregorio Padula
TOKITA SEMENTI ITALIA Srl
181, C.so Garibaldi
47100 Forlì, Italy
Tel.: +39 543 756143
Fax: +39 543 031496
Mob.: +39 333 1455111
Email: gregorio.padula@tokitasementi.it
Web: www.tokitasementi.it