Sicilian organic crops for German and Swiss markets

"We are a producers' association that has been growing organic fruits and vegetables for more than 25 years on the most precious lands of Sicily, between the provinces of Ragusa, Catania and Siracusa. We also grow crops with a protection label, such as the Mazzarrone grapes. Our core business is tomatoes in all the main segments," said Claudio Parrino, president of Agrologica.

Claudio Parrino

"Our idea to market organic crops turned out to be a success. We wanted to make sure that the organic system becomes a part of life and is not seen as something out of the ordinary or alternative. We think that we can achieve this by practicing cultivation the way people used to do in the past, with attention and care for the biological cycles of the plants, with respect for harvesting times and methods. Only in this way can we cherish the hope of leaving future generations a healthy land full of well-being."

"By now we have about 28 members who account for 40 suppliers, all of whom are, obviously, certified organic. The packing facility is located in Chiaramonte Gulfi in Sicily and is equipped with three processing lines, storage cells and a warehouse for vehicles and consumption goods. Every day we process tons of fruits and vegetables, all of which are exclusively Sicilian."

"The grower organization has ICEA bio-certification. This covers the storage, packaging, labeling and marketing of the organic fruits and vegetables supplied by the members and the growers are controlled by other control bodies authorized by the Mipaaf (Italian Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry). We are also Biosuisse, Biodynamic and GRASP certified."

"Almost all of our products are sold abroad, especially in Germany and Switzerland, in markets that have always had a particular preference for conscious and sustainable consumption. The rest goes to France and other European countries and to our domestic market."

"In recent years we have started to grow and commercialize high-quality processed crops. Recently, we launched an e-commerce channel so that consumers can also order online. We are not influenced by either domestic or foreign competition for both fresh and processed products, because our sales channels are founded on long-term relationships, which add value to the international supply chain and, above all, to our product," concluded Parrino.