The Terra di Romagna artichoke campaign is now in full swing. There are currently over 20,000 artichoke plants in production at Società Agricola Guidi in Roncofreddo, a town in the province of Forlì-Cesena in northern Italy. Umberto Benvenuti, manager, of the Albisole plant, takes stock of the situation: "The product has the excellent color and size that consumers demand. Our clients are major retail chains looking for high-quality, locally grown artichokes."
Artichoke hearts from Società Agricola Guidi - Terra di Romagna
The artichokes are available by the bunch, loose, or packaged as artichoke hearts. "Despite unfavorable weather in recent weeks, this year's artichoke production is at full capacity," Benvenuti continues. We are now aiming for maximum productivity and quality."
Umberto Benvenuti and Eleonora Callisesi
Agricola Guidi has grouped its products under different brands. Terra di Romagna focuses on artichokes and persimmons, and Albisole specializes in yellow and red apricots and plums. "Our production forecasts for apricots are positive," explains Eleonora Callisesi, Albisole's sales manager. "It will not be a year of peak productivity, but our groves are abounding. Considering the weather-related damage around Italy and Europe, we expect availability to be lower than normal and prices to rise."
Benvenuti and Callisesi report that over 320 hectares have been dedicated to yellow and red apricot cultivation under the Albisole brand. "The harvest will begin in the hilly areas at the start of June and will gradually pick up pace. We've been able to ensure adequate production volumes thanks to significant investments," they explain.
Above are the brands of Società Agricola Guidi. From left to right are Albisole, which includes yellow and red apricots and plums, and Terra di Romagna, which includes persimmons and artichokes
Benvenuti provides details on the investments: "Almost all of our orchards in the plains - over 90% - are protected by hail and insect nets. In the lowlands, we have installed four anti-frost fans and purchased four self-propelled ones. Our technologically advanced irrigation systems ensure maximum efficiency and minimal water waste. Production must be guaranteed as much as possible nowadays. One can only think of the future by committing to investments."
The Guidi company is constantly growing. Currently, they have 320 hectares of apricot trees, 45 hectares of plums, and 25 hectares of persimmons in production. "In the short term," says Benvenuti, "there will be further investments in areas and technologies."
From left to right: Umberto Benvenuti, Roberto Guidi, Giancarlo Guidi, Massimiliano Benvenuti, and Gianmarco Benvenuti. Photo taken at the Macfrut 2025 stand
A few final observations regarding the recently concluded Macfrut: "The feedback from the exhibition was excellent. We received a steady stream of visitors to our stand, especially during the first two days. The exhibition is definitely growing, which adds value to the region and the entire national fruit and vegetable industry," conclude Umberto and Eleonora.
For more information:
Società Agricola Guidi 
Fruit and Vegetable Department
Via Brasini, 2 Bis
47122 Forlì - Italy
+39 0543728296
[email protected]
www.agricolaguidi.com