Combining storage conditions in units and the right ripening level for consumption is the objective of La Grande Bellezza Italiana (LGBI) when it comes to pears.
"There are no half measures: pears are either very good or inedible. For years, we have been studying the way to make pears reach consumers in the best ripening conditions possible," explains Fabio Bergonzoni, specialist for LGBI.
LGBI-branded produce is supplied to big retail chains when it is 60% ripe, while the remaining 40% is left for logistics, shelf-life and after it is purchased.
"We are trying to shorten the time before the fruit tastes nice. At LGBI, we want fruit to be appealing but, most of all, we want it to taste good. This starts from the field, with suitable fertilizing plans that increase the dry matter content. Then specific processing is performed in warehouses and production areas, as each territory conveys different characteristics even when it comes to the same variety."
Destocking is proceeding as planned. William pears will be available on the shelves for another 15 days, while Abate and Kaiser will be available for another two months. "We want to provide consumers with the chance of purchasing Italian produce for as long as possible without compromising on organoleptic properties. We are managing it thanks to those big retail chains that follow our experimentations and share our same will to reach optimal ripening levels. We believe our fruit should be healthy, nice and appealing, in this order."
In addition to Italian big retail chains, La Grande Bellezza supplies foreign chains in northern Europe as well, in Germany in particular.
For further information
La Grande Bellezza Italiana
Business network
C.so Milano 36/A – 37138 Verona
segreteria@lagrandebellezzaitaliana.it
www.lagrandebellezzaitaliana.it