"Returning to early season strawberry varieties after so many years was a choice encouraged by my clients. Despite our wide range of fruit and vegetables, we were asked to supply strawberries between November and January. Because of this, and given the variety of requests and our intention to meet our customers' needs, we decided to plant 1.5 hectares of Fortuna strawberries," affirmed Filippo Corvaglia, an agricultural entrepreneur from Scanzano Jonico (Matera), and one of the founding members of the Club Candonga.
Filippo Corvaglia and his son Mattia.
"Our goal is that of being present in a niche where the product is not available, in order to ensure continuity and quality in this market until June, when the Candonga strawberry starts selling, which represents the real core business of the company, with 20 hectares dedicated to its production."
"Our sales prices are quite interesting. The 2 kg packing ranges from 12 to 15 euros, but in the following days and throughout Christmas time, the price can increase 5 - 7 euros."
Gennaro Motta of Timac Agri Italia and agronomist of the Corvaglia company informed us about the production trend: "Compared to others, we transplanted a few days later, bypassing, in part, the high temperatures of September, which certainly contributed to the mortality of the plants. It takes about 50-60 days for the planting to be harvested. It is expected that production will increase for the current campaign.
Gennaro Motta, agronomist
"One of the many advantages of the Fortuna cultivar is its medium-long stem. This not only facilitates harvesting and greater ventilation, but also reduces mould attacks and helps the fruit coloring process. The operator can monitor the fruit, preventing the plant from being excessively touched and consequently accelerating the harvesting."
"At this very moment, harvesting is carried out 2-3 times a week, but it depends on the weather. The fruit is very well presented, of medium size and of a bright red-orange colour. Producing strawberries in autumn/winter is a demanding task, especially for guaranteeing the formation of sugar and the same coloring. In any case, we are able to have a quality product and an excellent colour, with a 10 °Brix even during this time of the year, when temperatures are cold and the light is poor.”
Contact and information:
Azienda Agricola Filippo Corvaglia
Via S.S. 106, 90/A
75020 Scanzano Jonico (MT)
Phone.: (+39) 339.8043835
Email: azagricolafilippocorvaglia@gmail.com