In the area surrounding the Sicilian village of Canicattì, the grape farms that supply the BioPlus trading company with their fruit continue to build on some important traditions. Here, white, red and black grapes, with and without seeds, are marketed from May to the end of December - assuming the weather is good. We spoke with Francesco Petralito, quality manager of this company that is strongly committed to certificated organic and Demeter products.
Francesco Petralito
"Our area of land extends over 70 hectares, 20 of which are Demeter certified," says Peralito. "We also source products from partner growers who together cover about 60 hectares. So the total acreage consists of over 130 hectares, about half of which has been replanted with seedless varieties. This percentage will increase in the future, while still maintaining a significant proportion of grapes with seeds. We never just spontaneously decide to switch to a particular new variety. It is always based on a study of market trends. This is how we try to remain competitive. In several European countries, except France, there is a lot of demand for our organic and biodynamic seedless grapes."
White grapes
"The harvest starts on 20 May with the varieties Victoria and Black Magic. We will continue with these until about mid/late July, then switch to the medium-late and late varieties until nearing the end of December. On the other hand, with the early seedless varieties we start at the end of June and with the late varieties we finish in November. In the first part of the season, roughly from May to June, we have little competition because by then Egypt is almost at the end of its season. We have practically the monopoly at that point. But every year is also different. After that, the Apulia region enters the market, with whom we compete in a friendly atmosphere almost until the end of our season. "
Grapes in a carton
"The grapes are of excellent quality this season," says Petralito. "The bunches are well formed and we expect the grapes to reach the quality standard that the European market so highly appreciates. This is how we hope to finally break the negative trend of past seasons. Because with outstanding quality, it is inevitable that sales will yield satisfactory results. Especially the organic and Demeter grapes segment will go up a notch on the foreign market, where such products are highly sought after by consumers."
Grapes in a crate
Sustainability
"We strive for sustainability in the fields, but also inside the packing station. We've banned all plastic for three years now. We now use only cardboard and PLA for packaging. Having respect for the environment must also be coherent on the other side, and our French, Dutch and German trading partners, both wholesale and retail, understand that. One channel that is very important to us is the stores that specialize in organic and Demeter products."
For more information: 
Francesco Petralito
Bioplus srls
Via Regina Margherita, 169
92024 - Canicattì (AG)
+39 3338331308
https://bioplus.srl/
info@bioplus.srl