Coop. Sant'Orsola aims at doubling the production of small fruits

"Our objective is to double production volumes to meet the increasing market demand," explains Matteo Bortoline, Director of the Sant'Orsola cooperative. The company is also looking to build a new facility which should be ready by the end of 2018.

Above: Matteo Bortolini with Sara Bellini, communications manager, at Fruit Logistica 2015. Below: an image of the new facility.

To increase production and avoid importing counterseasonal fruit, Sant'Orsola started investing in crops in southern Italy (Calabria and Sicily).

"There are 15 hectares of raspberries in Sicily. The Vajolet variety seems to be doing well. In addition, we also have 1.5 hectares of blueberries and will add another four which will start production in 2017/18."

The investment now includes blackberries too, with traditional varieties such as Lochness. The objective is to complete the circle with early Sicilian productions, which are available between March and May/June. It is then the turn of produce from Calabria and, finally, that from Trentino. Currently, southern Italy produces 30% of the total volumes."

A wide range of products
Sant'Orsola produces strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, white and red currants, gooseberries, wild strawberries, cherries and baby kiwis (still in the process of being selected).

Varietal selection is one of the cooperative's main assets. Various raspberry cultivars are currently being selected and the varietal selection of strawberries is almost complete.

Baby kiwis

Presentation is also very important. Classic 125 gram punnets are still standard, but now there are also bigger 200 or 300 gram punnets as well as smaller 100 gram ones.

"Our selection packet is very popular as it is a feast for the eyes. Price becomes of secondary importance and is not perceived as an obstacle," explains communications manager, Sara Bellini.

Agriculture is sharing land and creating resources
"Two years ago, we implemented new agronomic techniques to safeguard environmental sustainability. Covers play a fundamental role and we promote them, though we are also thinking of ways to reduce their impact on the landscape. In addition, in 2017, we will also test new tunnel monitoring techniques."

According to Bortolini, the new facility will be a tool to manage an increased production as, instead of the current 1200 sq. m, the new facility will cover 4000 sq. m.

An image of the new facility. The current facility will be dedicated to processing.

"We will need more room and we will also have to look at other markets." In 2015, in fact, only 7% of the production was exported.

The cooperative is doing what it can to help the local economy and create new jobs. It is also implementing a new corporate philosophy that focuses on production, instead of just commercialisation, so much so that in 2015 it introduced a new logo and motto: "Small producers, great flavours".

For further info:
Sant'Orsola Soc. Coop. Agricola
Sara Bellini
Via Lagorai 131
38057 Pergine Valsugana (TN)
Tel.: (+39) 0461 518170
Email: sara.bellini@santorsola.com
Web: www.santorsola.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CoopSantOrsola