Over the past few days, we have seen Fortuna strawberries from Basilicata available at a wholesale market in northern Italy. We talked about it with processing and commercialisation company "Piraccini Secondo".
"Organoleptic quality is very good and plants produce good amounts in this period. The only limitation is that, in some cases, there can be a percentage of plant death. Plugs must be used as well as protected cultivation," explains Valchirio Piraccini.
The wholesale price was around €8/kg. Crates hold 6 punnets each, which are black to make the strawberries stand out. Piraccini stressed that it is fruit produced in the three hectares members planted for winter ripening. Production will cover 20 hectares by 2018.
Thanks to this variety, the company now commercialises strawberries 12 months a year. "I also went to Sicily over the past few days to meet other companies. I believe it's the only way to remain competitive. There are plenty of hard-working entrepreneurs, but they need to be found and followed. We have always looked for the best and work hard to obtain excellent results in the market."
Italy produces fewer strawberries in November, December and January, but they are available nonetheless. The harvesting and commercialisation of the produce from Calabria ended with excellent results in the past few weeks.
Contacts:
Valchirio Piraccini
Piraccini Secondo S.r.l.
Via Fossalta, 3233
47522 Pievesestina di Cesena (FC)
Tel.: (+39) 0547 317448
Fax: (+39) 0547 318052
Email: info@piraccinifruit.com
Web: www.piraccinifruit.com