The Sicilian artichoke campaign started a few weeks ago. Most of the areas were greatly affected by the bad weather, but not the Licata area. Maurizio Bartolini from Master Fruit explained to us the current season's trends.
Massimiliano Consagra (sales and production manager) and Maurizio Bartolini (marketing manager)
Bartolini said, “The shortage of Sicilian produce, in general, is actually facilitating our crops. For more than 10 years, Master fruit has been active in the Romanesco artichoke production. We can rely on a productive and marketing schedule (January and February) that makes us a landmark within this sector”.
The company could survive the persistent heavy rains because it invested in underground draining plants and in the arrangement of the perimeter ditches, both of which allowed the regular outflow of excess rainwater.
These very expensive measures saved the plants from root asphyxiation. The manager continued, “We have always striven to improve this produce, that is why we expanded the surfaces devoted to artichokes. Now, we count 70 hectares – we started with 15, in 2008. Our most valuable characteristic is our territory as it provides our Romanesco artichokes with those incredible organoleptic properties”.
The Master Fruit’s Romanesco
10 artichokes can be harvested from each plant. 20% of the harvest goes to the processing industry as it is not very ‘good-looking’, while the big part is for the quality fresh market.
The expert concluded, “This year seems to be extremely positive for us. The persistent rains supported the growth of big-sized produce with a good level of saltiness. Therefore, this is an excellent campaign, both for us and our business clients”.
Prices align with the current trend, thus following the demand/offer rule. The main market for Master Fruit is Italy, but the company exports 20% of its produce in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and France as well.
Master Fruit can package cleaned produce, even in trays, on demand.
Info:
Master Fruit Srl
C.da Piano Cannelle sn
92027 Licata (AG) SICILY
Tel.: +39 0922 893 506
Fax: +39 0922 891320
Email: info@masterfruit.eu
Web: www.masterfruit.eu