Reano and Mirco Zoffoli.
"Our quality is high, especially if we choose the right varieties. This year, I have opted for Joly, Sibilla, Aprica and Argentera, a late variety perfect for extending production until June. Joly strawberries have a very high sugar content and Apricas are very popular in Switzerland."
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Zoffoli started with transplants in early August and finished ten days ago. If there are no weather problems, in 2017 the plants should produce around 140 tons of fruit. 60% will be destined to the domestic market, while the rest will be shipped abroad. Superfuit supplies wholesale markets and retailers.
The fertigation system.
"I have excellent contacts in Switzerland, a country where it is difficult to stand out because of the high levels expected. But when they see you as a reliable speaker, then you can get a lot of satisfaction. To those who say selling fruit on your own damages the sector because it makes it fragmented, I reply by saying that it is not true, because we are not in competition, as my prices are very high. If I adopted the same prices the big groups paid their producers, I would not be able to keep my business afloat."
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Mirco is not alone, he collaborates with another great local producer - Antonio Benzi, who owns over 400 thousand plants. Together, the two growers exceed the tons produced by many local groups.
Innovation is quite common for Zoffoli. His father Reano implemented organic cultivating techniques 16 years ago and Mirco turned 7 thousand square metres to the organic cultivation of strawberries. "In the 70's-80's, people in our area got rich cultivating strawberries. It was hard work, but returns were good. Now things are different and you have to keep finding new ways of making money. I am pleased with my decision to adopt organic cultivation techniques. It is more difficult to grow produce this way but, if you work with the right people, returns can be good," adds Reano.
Joly organic strawberries.
"In order to be successful next year, you need to make contacts now. Improvising does not lead to anything, especially in this sector."
Contacts:
Superfruit (Mi.Frutta)
via Melona 1047
47522 Cesena - Italy
Cell.: (+39) 335 7710710
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.mifrutta.it
