Italy: This year, we expect an increase in sales in all channels

"This year, we expect a 20% decrease in the quantity of certified potatoes because the cultivated area was smaller (170 hectares in 2013 with respect to 210 hectares the previous year). Though we expect sales to increase in all channels."

This is the assessment of Maria Filicetti, Chairman of the Consorzio di Tutela Patata della Sila IGP. The Consortium, recognised by the Ministerial Decree of 16/04/2013 published in the Official Journal no. 106 of 08/05/2012, is the only one that can manage the general interests of the PGI "Sila Potato", according to the Ministry for Agricultural and Forestry Policy.

"Planting was completed on 18th June 2013 - in 2012 they ended on 30th June. Harvesting started on 3rd September, later than 2012 (20th August) because July was colder. It will end by October 2013."

As regards sales, last year the Consortium recorded around 800 tons of produce sold to retailers and traditional markets, around 350 tons of produce sold to other packers and around 200 tons sold to the processing industry.

The main markets for the Consortium are retailers and traditional markets (60%), other packers (26%) and the processing industry (14%).

As the Chairman explains, "the benefits of the PGI mark are a deeper introduction on the market, better differentiation and recognition, higher prices and improved control and traceability systems."

Distinctive characteristics of PGI Sila potatoes

In addition to the PGI mark, Sila potatoes also have the "mountain product" mark, as they are cultivated at 1,200 meters above sea level. They have a higher content of dry matter (10-20% more than other potatoes), are watered with spring water and very few chemicals are used.

The PGI Sila Potato Consortium will take part to Macfrut 2013 (Cesena, 25th-27th September), Pav. C -Stand 17. Visitors will be welcomed by Chairman Maria Filicetti (Cell.: 347 4981021), Jenny Panza (Cell.: 340 7368965) and Andrea Paese (Cell.: 328 4544523).

For further information:
Consorzio di Tutela Patata della Sila IGP
Via Forgitelle, 28
87058 Camigliatello Silano-Spezzano della Sila (CS)
Tel.: (+39) 0984 1633626
Fax: (+39) 0984 57869
Email: patatadellasilaigp@gmail.com
PEC: patatadellasilaigp@legalmail.it
Web: www.patatadellasilaigp.com