As soon as you enter the La Costiera warehouse in Fondi, managed by the Vinaccia brothers, you are welcomed by the intoxicating aroma of fresh lemons. Everyone works tirelessly and trucks come and go at all times.
Lemons arrive at the facility at all hours and come mainly from Italy (Sorrento and Sicily), although sometimes Spanish ones make an appearance.
Once at the warehouse, lemons are washed, brushed and graded. The staff, mainly women, sort the produce and places them in plastic, cardboard or wooden crates.
"We process fresh lemons, with or without leaves, destined mainly to Italian and foreign retailers (northern Europe). Our produce is also available in markets in northern Italy. Northern Europe generally requires fruit that is perfect and is pleased with the organoleptic qualities of the Italian produce," reports Ferdinando Vinaccia.
"At the moment there is excessive produce available. We are working a lot and trying to deal with the problems caused by the weather and slow consumption. Verello lemons are doing better."
"Quotations have been positive for the past 3/4 years, but now everything has changed as prices dropped by 30-40% compared to 2018. To obtain good-productions, one needs to follow the natural cycle of plants, harvest the fruit when it is ripe, reduce chemicals and opt for rational agronomic techniques. I invite producers not to focus too much on price, while disregarding quality."
Contacts:
La Costiera
Via Pantanello, II tr. dx - Zona Industriale
04022 Fondi (LT) - Italy
Tel: (+39) 0771 531807
Email: limonilacostiera@gmail.com
Website: www.la-costiera.com