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Italy: Organic sales increasing through ethical purchasing groups

"When we started with organic products in the 1980s, they certainly weren't as popular as they are now, but I believed in them," explains Luigi Castiglioni from Punto Verde. The company owns a dozen hectares where it grows pears, apples, peaches, plums, figs, apricots, strawberries, cherries, pomegranates as well as asparagus and tomatoes. 


Punto Verde products at Sana 2016.

"It was a good idea, as organic products are increasingly popular. The reason is that people are more aware of what is behind organic production, though popularity is growing quicker with young people under 35."


Punto Verde products at Sana 2016.

At the same time, organic products are associated with new methods of purchase. Punto Verde always supplies various ethical purchasing groups in Parma and Rome. "While orders are rather stationary in Parma, volumes keep increasing in Rome."


Processing at Punto Verde. (Photo by Punto Verde)

The company also deals with processed products. Punto Verde in fact produces fruit juices, jams and preserves sold under its own brand and even processes produce for third parties. 

"I had some experience with pasteurisation so, when I founded this company, I also started processing my own products. Of course fruit juices and preserves weren't new on the market, but I wanted something different, something organic to stand out from the rest." What's unique is that Punto Verde does not use sugar, but cooked grape must.


Processing at Punto Verde. (Photo by Punto Verde)

"We started with classic flavours - pear, peach and apricot - and then introduced new flavours and mixes. We also launched fruit preserves with Pgi balsamic vinegar, which are really popular, especially abroad."

The company exports to Switzerland, France, Germany, Scandinavia, Taipei, China and UAE.
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