"The quality of Italian produce is undisputed, but Italians lack the right attitude - we would need a cultural change to make new generations appreciate Italian products. Abroad there is lots of attention towards our produce, but unfortunately prices do not reflect it."
"In addition, the fact that this winter temperatures were rather mild did not help, as Northern European countries imported less produce as they still managed to grow it," added marketing manager and advisor Stefano Bellato and sales manager Dario Valerio.
"60% of our entire production goes to Germany, Eastern Europe and Northern Europe. Abroad, the most popular products are radishes, kohlrabi and watermelons."
Sotea radishes on sale at a Warsaw market (Poland).
Radishes are available from October to April and they are cultivated on 50 ha. Kohlrabi grows on 20 ha between December and April whereas watermelons are produced on 80 ha between May and August.
"As regards the Italian market, courgettes - both the classic dark green and the round ones - are the most popular. They are available 9 months a year and we produce 6,000 tons per year."
Sotea grows its produce on 100 ha in total and cooperates with 33 companies. The Cooperative also has graders for courgettes, tomatoes and aubergines, washing lines for radishes and lettuce, packagers and three cold storage units.
The PO is always trying to improve, in fact "we recently visited France and Russia to see whether we can start selling some of our products over there. We are also willing to start producing something new if necessary."
Sotea follows the production specifications of the Lazio Region and guarantees traceability. It also holds the GlobalGAP certification.
Contacts:
Cooperativa Op Sotea
Via Molella, 41
San Felice Circeo (Latina) - Italy
Tel.: (+39) 0773 597558
Fax: (+39) 0773 597467
Email: info@sotea.biz
Web: www.sotea.biz