"We have been planning the deliveries of 600 gram heart-shaped strawberry punnets to a few supermarket chains, which will become available as of the first week of February. Actually, a few wholesale markets would like to try out these romantic options too. It is a perfect occasion that makes us understand how much buyers are strengthening relations with our company, which can supply strawberries for about 10 months a year thanks to a multitude of varieties and different types of plants," explains Luca Zuccarella, sales manager at O.P. Zuccarella in Scanzano Jonico.
Many companies have opted to use original and themed packets over the last few years, like for Women's Day or Mother's Day. 
"The heart-shaped punnet features large strawberries that come exclusively from Basilicata. We expect to sell thousands of pieces over the next few weeks, which will be also available in our online shop."
As for the sales trend, demand is lively. "Demand has doubled over the past few days, also due to the lack of supplies from other Italian production areas. We are among the few in Basilicata to ship 20 pallets a day with around 1600 packets of different sizes (250, 300 and 500 g single layer packets). Currently in production there are around 27 hectares out of the 40 destined for strawberry cultivation. We are harvesting the Fortuna, Limvalnera, RedSayra, Red Samantha, NSG 203 (Marimbella®), Portolas and Inspire varieties. Compared with the previous seasons, we are noticing an increased interest from regions in northern Italy: strawberries are sought after all year round, especially when fall/winter months are particularly mild, like this year."
Posters for retail buyers:
Click here for strawberries
Click here for pineapples
For further information:
OP Zuccarella Soc. Coop. Agr.
Via Parisi, 16 - Scanzano Jonico (MT)
+39 0835 418009
info@opzuccarella.it
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opzuccarella.it