Tom Fusato, sales manager for Brio Spa
"Retailers are now organising themselves to sell loose organic fruit, thus lowering packaging prices. The catering sector is also expected to grow, albeit at a slower pace due to less money being spent by the public sector, e.g. school canteens. Demand from the US, Canada and Brazil is increasing."
Over 100 people attended the convention in Zevio (Verona)
There is room for organic apples in the Verona territory. "We need to avoid competition with Alto Adige. For example, we can focus on the early Gala or Fuji varieties. Perspectives are less interesting for kiwis, because there are a lot of organic kiwis available. Demand for organic pears in increasing, especially for what concerns new cultivars."
Organic cherries in covered orchards are also needed. Demand is lively for organic strawberries and the prospects for stone fruit also seem good, though rustic varieties suitable for the territory are needed. There is a lot of interest in persimmons.
As regards vegetables, there is room for all types. "In the Verona area, we are very good at growing vegetables, even in greenhouses. Things are looking good for organic potatoes, onions, radicchio, melons and celery."
For what concerns consumption over the next few years, Sweden has the objective of reaching 30% within 3 years, just to point to an example of how things are going in northern Europe.
"It is essential to be extremely professional in order to do well in the organic sector. Organic produce must look and taste good, otherwise consumers don't want it. A company can achieve good results if it can produce enough quantities taking advantage of all the new defence techniques, concluded Fusato.