In the photo, Salvatore Lotta (second from left) with some employees.
During the campaign, which lasts from June to September, Agricola Campidanese handled 1,500 tons, 250-300 tons of which are still to be harvested.
"Average prices were rather stable, unlike other products, which sold at 17/20% less. This year we also had new clients from Central and Northern Italy".
Packaging and labelling.
Part of the profits were devolved to a missionary project in Burundi. "We have raised €13,000 so far and we should reach €20,000 before I leave for Burundi on 26th September."
As regards the next season, Mr. Lotta says that "we will increase our cultivated area by 200 hectares. Our American buyers have already asked us if we are willing to increase our shipments. There should be room for growth in Italy too. Mini-watermelons will be our future, as they are a stable product that holds it Brix level (13/15°) throughout the season and are very practical with few seeds."
Watermelon grading.
He was also asked where the name Gavina comes from. "It is a traditional Sardinian name. We chose it because in Sardinia people usually eat Sugarbaby watermelons, which are really dark, whereas these ones are light green, so we thought about giving them a local name."
As regards the Russian ban, he says that "we had sent a few samples to Russia and also started to deal with transportation problems, but we had to stop. Luckily Northern Europe ordered more fruit."
The processing and packaging line.
In the next few months, Agricola Campidanese will place on the market a variety of products - Majores, Piel de Sapo and netted melons, beef, Camone, cherry and bunch tomatoes as well as aubergines, fennel and carrots. The first strawberries should arrive in December.
Agricola Campidanese will take part in the next Fruit Logistica in Berlino (4th-6th February 2015).
Contacts:
Agricola Campidanese
Via Doria, 5
09098 Terralba (OR)
Sardegna - Italy
Tel.: +39 0783 022959
Email: info@agricolacampidanese.it
Web: www.agricolacampidanese.it