"The first requests have come in from the Netherlands and Eastern Europe for packed unwashed rocket. They demand loose produce in various packaging solutions. We are proud that our rocket, which is hand-cut and hand-selected, is appreciated by emerging markets as well," reported Francesco Napolitano (in the photo), sales manager of the F.lli Napolitano facility in Eboli (SA).
Rocket and spring onions are produced and processed all year round. These two products combine tradition and innovation.
"We process 70% of rocket for Germany, the rest is destined to Switzerland, Denmark, England and other parts of Europe. We also work with the French H&R channel. Considering the great results we have achieved, we are looking to expand our crops."
F.lli Napolitano handles approximately 1300 tons of rocket a year for the packed unwashed segment. The company performed an analysis together with a big retail chain to understand which packaging, form and type are better appreciated by consumers.
"We mainly process bunches and loose produce in trays, but we are particularly proud of 100 gram punnets containing two 50g bunches in flowpacks. Demand has been very lively for them, as consumers choose them because they are convenient and help reduce food waste."
Agronomic practices are essential to guarantee a high-quality product. Agronomist Alberico Fortunato explains that "we transplant plants in soil covered with mulching films for the winter campaign, so as to guarantee less humidity in greenhouses and reduce phytosanitary problems and therefore treatments."
The company is currently producing baby spinach and escarole as well. Francesco Napolitano reports that "we started producing baby spinach a year ago. Demand is lively, but supply is still too limited. We are looking to expand the crops also due to the demand we received from northern Europe. As for escarole, most of the work is abroad, where it is sold packed in retail stores or as whole heads to the fresh-cut industry. We are aiming at working more on the Italian market."
"As we grow this product in open fields between October and June, we tie heads 7/10 days before harvesting by hand to obtain a high proportion of white leaves."
Contacts:
Fratelli Napolitano
Via XXV Aprile, 105
80040- Poggiomarino (NA) – Italy
Tel. : (+39) 081 5285232
Cell: (+39) 338 9372614 sales manager Gennaro Napolitano
Contrada Cioffi, 114
84025-Eboli (SA) – Italy
Tel.: (+39) 0828 347395
Cell: (+39) 329 1608552 sales manager Francesco Napolitano
Email: info@fratellinapolitano.it
Website: www.fratellinapolitano.it