The cluster tomatoes grown in hydroponic greenhouses represents almost half of the imports from the Netherlands into Italy. Approximately 51,406 tons were imported in 2018. One of the Italian companies which maintains one of the longest and most professional relations with the Netherlands is Cherry Passion. The company, whose headquarters are located in the province of Verona, is specialized in providing several services, including the management of orders for products such as the cluster tomato, which is now considered a "commodity".
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"The data registered in 2018 is very interesting and confirms a consolidated trend. Last year, Italy imported 113,947 tons of fruit and vegetables from the Netherlands. Pears amounted to 2,660 tons and the vast majority of the imports regarded vegetables, As for cluster tomatoes (grown in greenhouses with hydroponic system), 51,406 tons were imported in the same year", affirms the manager of the company, Stefano Pezzo.
Lately prices have been dramatically lower, reaching 0.60 euros / kg. On average, the price is usually € 0.20 higher, at the very least. "What sets our product apart is the quality, which is consistent throughout the whole year, its long shelf life and the uniformity of production. In Italy, our products are mainly sold to mass retailers located in the North Central regions.
During winter, Dutch companies continue their production using artificial LED lights. From December to February, prices rise to 1.80 - 2 euros per kg, due to higher production costs.
"Additional interesting data concerns Dutch Iceberg lettuce production: in 2018, a total of 15,237 tons were imported into Italy from the Netherlands. Furthermore, 6.980 tons of cabbages, 5.600 tons of peppers and 4,781 tons of tomatoes (excluding cluster tomatoes) were also imported".
On the left Stefano Pezzo, in occasion of a recent fair
Stefano Pezza concludes with a statement on the cluster tomatoes: "We market these tomatoes through our Cuori Rossi brand. In the summer the demand is high, while the national production is scarce and slowed down in the production areas of southern Italy due to the high temperatures. The recent low prices have allowed us to offer promotional actions".
Contact
Cherry Passion Srl
V.le del Lavoro, 54
37036 San Martino Buon Albergo (VR)
Tel.: (+39) 045 8781138
Email: info@cherrypassion.com
Web: www.cherrypassion.com