Freshplaza talked to CO.SER sales manager Roberto Guarino (in the photo) about the situation after the bad weather with strong winds of a few weeks ago and about trends in the greenhouse sector.
"Luckily only 1% of structures were damaged by the bad weather. Of course the main concern for our clients is to strengthen the sections that undergo the most stress so that they can be more resilient."
"Leaving aside traditional crops such as tomatoes, eggplants, zucchinis, salad, watermelons and melons, we can see how, over the past few years, there has been an increase in the fresh-cut production of baby leaves, spinach, rocket and lamb's lettuce. New companies specializing in organic production are established thanks to EU financing, though it is a rather complex thing to do as true natural habitats need to be re-created within greenhouses to be able to reduce the use of chemicals through integrated control."
80% of greenhouses requested to CO.SER are destined to cultivating the above-mentioned crops. "We adapt to client needs when it comes to changes on a technological or size/shape front are needed. Structures vary slightly depending on the various areas and weather conditions. We can add mechanical elements and heating systems, but the irrigation system is essential and cannot miss."
Guarino has been the sales manager for CO.SER for over 27 years. "I can confirm that demand for greenhouse structures has been increasing for the past 10 years and that clients take more part in the designing and investment stages, especially since the time to recoup the investment has increased."
A comparison with the Netherlands is unthinkable, but there are Dutch technicians who have taken their know-how to Italy. "A particular example of this is someone who has been our client for over twenty years and who works in the flower segment and mainly tulips. The company is well-organized when it comes to managing workers, logistics, production and commercialization both in Italy and in the Netherlands, where practically everything is auctioned."
"Us Italians have always been good at setting an example of how to manage and promote our companies and to manage commercial relationships with the typical Mediterranean passion that characterizes us."
Contacts:
Maria Cipro - administrator
CO.SER. srl
Via Valle Annunziata, 77
81050 Francolise (CE)
Tel.: +39 0823 884180
Email: coser@libero.it
Web: www.coseritalia.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/costruzioni.serre