Donato Parlapiano at Fruit Logistica in Berlino
The business initially specialised in the cultivation of cereal and vegetables and provided ploughing and threshing services. It then converted to fruit cultivation.
Photo from the 1950s: towed thresher with his father Domenicantonio driving the tractor and his grandfather Donato right behind.
In 1980, the company started experimenting with kiwis, a novelty on the market which found an ideal habitat in the area, so much so that 3 hectares were planted.
Harvesting in 1984
The Parlapiano family specialised not only in kiwi cultivation, but also in kiwi storage and packaging. The fruits cultivated by Azienda Agricola Parlapiano are well known in wholesale markets both in Italy and abroad.
In the late 1990s, the company evolved once again when it started implementing organic and biodynamic cultivation techniques.
Thanks to this, the quality of Parlapiano, green Hayward and golden Soreli kiwis has considerably improved while respecting nature and final consumers.
The mild climate and fertile soil of the Latina province provide added value and enable the production of fruit with an excellent flavour and shelf-life in controlled atmosphere storage.
The kiwis hold the Codex and Demeter certifications and are sorted electronically. Thanks to the thirty-year experience, the company can supply all grades in the packaging required, flow-pack included.
The annual production is of around 100 tons, which will triple over the next few years when the new orchards will start producing (10 hectares in total).
Above, new kiwi orchards
"We harvest in late November, when fruit is perfectly ripe. This way, the organoleptic qualities of the fruit are better than those of the kiwis from other areas. Cisterna di Latina enjoys unique weather and soil conditions also thanks to the minerals found in the volcanic soil," explains administrator Donato Parlapiano.
"Last year, productions overlapped both in Italy and abroad and harvesting lasted until July/August, leading to lower prices. This year, production was actually lower, so sale price margins were much higher. We sell our produce mainly abroad (France, the Netherlands and Germany), where our biodynamic organic produce is particularly appreciated."
Part of Parlapiano's kiwis are destined to the processing industry to be turned into juice under the 'Padado, kiwi bio da bere' brand, which is mainly distributed abroad too, particularly in Spain.
'Padado, kiwi bio da bere' juice
"The processed products branch is still relatively new, but market demand means it should grow steadily."
Contacts:
Azienda Agricola Biodinamica
Parlapiano Donato
Via Casalini, 5 - Borgo Flora
04012 Cisterna di Latina
Tel.: (+39) 06 9608354
Fax: (+39) 06 9608687
Mob. (+39) 3386580018
Email: padado@inwind.it - info@parlapiano.it
Web: www.parlapiano.it - www.padado.it