"This has undoubtedly been our best strawberry campaign ever. The weather favored a regular production with no peaks and constant harvesting. Demand exceeded supply and feedback was good abroad as well, especially since there was less produce from Spain on the market," reports Pietro Paolo Ciardiello, director of Coop Sole in Parete (Caserta).
The campaign has been positive, with Coop Sole growing both in volume and value. "This year, we will exceed 8000 tons. Quantities have been in line with last year so far, while quality and value have been higher, especially since the premium ranges are doing well. Quantities are still excellent, but the spring strawberry campaign is coming to an end – we should be able to continue for another 15 days, then quantities will drop."
Italy remains a country of reference when it comes to strawberry cultivation and all operators say they are pleased with the campaign. "There have been no particular difficulties since January and demand has always exceeded supply. What is more, big retail chains chose the Italian produce. I believe strawberry cultivation will grow some more in the future."
The next campaign will focus on an increased quality, health, security, ethics and sustainability of the produce. Coop Sole is always working on appropriate programs aiming at the innovation of varieties and techniques to guarantee a higher product quality to the benefit of consumers and producers and to meet market demands.
"The lack of labor is affecting all of Europe and, over the next few years, it will be difficult to find specialized operators. Some producers are not investing because they are scared they will not be able to find workers. To guarantee an increased stability to the whole segment, we need stable qualified workers."
For further information:
Cooperativa Sole
Via della Repubblica n. 70
81030 Parete (Ce) - Italy
+39 081 5036887
+39 081 5035111
info@coopsole.it
www.coopsole.it