Commercialized volumes increased by 10.7% with an growth in value of 17.2%. The first four months of 2020 have been characterized by a stark increase in organic produce sales, as confirmed by Almaverde Bio president Ilenio Bastoni, director Paolo Pari and Canova director Ernesto Fornari.
Strawberry processing in the Longiano facility (Forlì-Cesena)
"The growing trend was already underway, but the Covid-19 emergency gave it a push. I believe the public opinion understood the importance of the agricultural sector and I would like for it to remain so. The determination and abnegation of the entire chain must be recognized," reported Bastoni.
Ernesto Fornari in the Longiano facility (Forlì-Cesena)
Fornari stressed how the first six months of 2019 were terrible and were compensated mostly by the positive second semester. "We ended 2019 at -2.35% compared to 2018. Our producers must deal with increasingly difficult situations. Once more, we have witnessed a mild winter followed by drops in temperature in March and April. We will need to assess this situation and make choices when it comes to varieties, cultivation techniques and production areas."
Online sales also perked up via the Fruttaweb and Almaverde bio websites. "We are very pleased with the growth of online sales, as we have realized that they have not stopped now that the lockdown is over. In April, orders peaked at 1000 a week against the usual 300 a week."
Almaverde registered lively sales for all products with a high vitamin C content such as kiwifruit, oranges and lemons. Seasonal products such as asparagus and strawberries also did well, as did cherry and plum tomatoes, cauliflowers and broccoli. There was also an increase in the exports of fresh-cut products to Greece, Germany and Belgium.
The online press conference: left to right - Fornari, Pari, Alessandra Ravaioli e Bastoni
"Canova strengthened its network of technicians all over the national territory, from Cuneo to Trapani. The pandemic accelerated the digitization process and stimulated contacts within the domestic network. We follow the evolution of products on the entire national territory with fast agile tools such as Whatsapp Business, for example. We ship many products directly, without intermediaries, thus guaranteeing fresh products and prompt supplies. We have been working hard and I would like to thank all those who managed to reach Italian consumers day after day," added Fornari.
Contacts:
Canova srl
Via Emilia Levante, 2750
47020 Longiano (FC)
Domestic sales office
Tel.: +39 0547 53019
Export office
Tel.: +39 0547 57541
Email: commerciale.canova@apofruit.it
Website: www.canovaprodottibiologici.it