After a delay due to the bad weather, the harvesting of new potatoes proceeds swiftly, while the fig campaign has just started. What is more, the packaging of potatoes, figs and carosellos has been restyled to reduce the use of plastic. FreshPlaza talked about it with Cosimo Leggiero, sales manager for Miss Freschezza.
"The abnormal weather in spring affected the growth of all crops, especially summer ones such as carosellos (barattieri, streaked carosello and light carosello), zucchini, figs and potatoes. During the first few weeks, cucurbits did not set, so the produce is still lacking."
"With respect to previous years, we started harvesting new potatoes twenty days late due to the incessant rain. Now the season is in full swing and quality is excellent. We have estimated that it will end in late July."
Considering the new packaging and high-quality, prices hover around €0.80. Potatoes are mainly sold on the domestic market.
"Volumes tend to remain stable year after year, while more produce is sold through the retail channel, probably due to the new packaging. We are placing potatoes in 4 and 12 kg cardboard boxes, which completely revolutionized the sales concept for new potatoes. We opted for practical boxes that protect the potatoes from sunlight even better, therefore improving their shelf-life."
Figs
"When it comes to figs, we started harvesting green ones last week. Volumes are below average and there are quality problems due to the temperature changes of the past few days. The produce is currently sold at €3.50/kg. We are waiting to start harvesting black figs, which will have better quality and volumes."
Figs are also sold abroad, mainly in Germany, in 30x40 crates. "When it comes to Italian retailers, we mainly supply 500 gram trays featuring a series of information on the characteristics and origin of the produce as well as recipes for starters, first courses, second courses and desserts." 
Other products
"Zucchini have an excellent quality and are mainly sold via the retail chain. Quantities are in line with what planned - around 10 tons a day with prices registering an average of €0.80. In addition to classic oblong zucchini, we have light and dark round ones and yellow oblong zucchini. Our carosello range is registering higher prices that in past year due to the lower volumes available. As for barattiere, this year we have started supplying a client in Northern Europe and we can say feedback has been positive."
Packaging restyling
"This year, we have also started restyling our packaging to reduce the use of plastic, thus doing something positive for the environment. In particular, we went from using plastic to cardboard boxes with rPet lids. This way, everything can be recycled."
"We focus on searching new varieties and studying new packaging solutions. Serving clients who appreciate our work and believe in Miss Freschezza is a source of pride for us. Our success is also due to the retail chains we collaborate with every day."
Contacts:
Ortofrutticola Egnathia
C.da Losciale 111
70043 Monopoli (BA)
Tel./Fax: (+39) 080 801140
Website: www.missfreschezza.it