Italy: Cipolla di Tropea IGP doing well thanks to La Fenice business network

"The results obtained by La Fenice business network in its first year are more than satisfactory. Its ten members, which include producers, packagers and processers of Cipolla di Tropea IGP, now benefit from an agile platform that can commercialise the produce in a structured way. Thanks to our team work, we have signed new contracts and optimised production and packaging costs," explains Giuseppe Laria (in the photo), President of Consorzio di Tutela Cipolla di Tropea IGP-Indicazione Geografica Protetta.

"We have around 3 tons of fresh produce available. Cipolle da serbo (storage onions) are uprooted and left in the fields to dry up for at least 8 days to make braids. Then we also have cipollotto. We have enough volumes available to work with large distribution chains."

"We are obtaining good results also thanks to national ad campaigns. We have been chosen by giants such as Findus and McDonald's, meaning the PGI mark represents added value for both those promoting and using the produce, thus stimulating demand."

"In the future, we are looking to perform all processing operations in a single facility to rationalise resources."

"I believe an essential element in order to grow is sharing production elements such as tools and human resources. A solution that makes sense, especially when it comes to tackling the current crisis, is to keep the high production costs level with the increasing lower market prices. The Network's objective is to cut costs, but also to guarantee the economic sustainability of businesses."

In the photo: Dr. Simone Saturnino, Director of Consorzio di Tutela Cipolla di Tropea IGP, President Giuseppe Laria and Mr Ferraro from producer company Azienda Ferraro.

"Despite the heavy rain and bad weather this winter, produce will be good thanks to the experience and professionalism of our growers. We have started commercialising excellent-quality cipollotto with good grades and average yields. In addition, we are producing cipolle da serbo (storage onions), which will be harvested between May and late June."

List of companies part of La Fenice
LARIA Srl Società Agricola
Giula Srl
Azienda agricola di Bagnato Salvatore
Azienda agricola di Ferraro Andrea
Azienda agricola di Furchì Serafino
Azienda agricola di Grillo Salvatore
Azienda agricola di Morello Francesco
Azienda agricola di Pantano Pasquale
Azienda agricola di Petracca Gennaro
Delizie Vaticane di Tropea ®

Contacts:
Rete d'Impresa La Fenice
Giula Srl
Via Stazione
89866 San Nicolò di Ricadi (VV)
Italy
Cell.: +39 335 7011834
Email: giulasrls@gmail.com