To guarantee a quality crop to retailers and consumers, Italy's Fratelli Napolitano focuses on good horticultural practices, using methods that are increasingly committed to organic cultivation. This guarantees the Italian fennel with a maximum residual content of less than 85%. The company is pursuing its goal of standardization on the way to zero residue.
"The European quality standards for fennel are, among others, taste, a regular shape, a white color and a standardized weight of about 5 kg per box. This is why we decided to start from agronomic practices, using nutrients more efficiently to get a stronger and tastier crop, and not exceeding the nitrate limits allowed by law. In addition, the choice of variety is critical. The area, the timeframe, the plant's hardiness, its habitat and its resistance to high temperatures must be taken into account," said Sergio Fiorenza of Fratelli Napolitano.
Fratelli Napolitano continually invests in product analysis to ensure the quality of its crops. It also conducts rigorous soil and wash water tests on the fennel.
"We process about 35 tons of cleaned and packaged fennel per day, which totals about 10,000 tons of processed fennel per year. From October to April, 50% of the quantities are destined for markets in Europe, while the rest go to national markets. From May, all fennel is sold in Italy, where consumption is also increasing," said Gennaro Napolitano, commercial director.
"Starting this year, we have introduced a novelty in terms of packaging. In addition to the classic 10/12 pieces or 16/18 pieces in a 5 kg box, we have in fact introduced 2 pieces in cardboard in 500- or 800-gram packs, to meet the needs of the markets and reduce the use of plastic."
Fratelli Napolitano guarantees delivery throughout Europe within a maximum of 72 hours after harvest, and in Italy within a maximum of 48 hours. The cold chain is never interrupted, ensuring freshness.
Fratelli Napolitano usually ends the harvest in Fucino in June/July, followed by another harvest in late August and then in the Apulia region. Harvesting has recently begun in Foggia, after Christmas in the Bari region, and in February/March in Campania, Calabria and the Metapontino area.
For more information: 
Fratelli Napolitano
Via XXV Aprile, 105
80040- Poggiomarino (NA) – Italy
+39 081 5285232
+39 338 9372614 resp. commerciale Gennaro Napolitano
Contrada Cioffi, 114
84025-Eboli (SA) – Italy
+39 0828 347395
+39 329 1608552 resp. commerciale Francesco Napolitano
info@fratellinapolitano.it
www.fratellinapolitano.it