"Due to the climatic trend, characterized by weak light and cold temperatures, not particularly conducive to growing lettuce, the crop cycle of the product cultivated in greenhouses, specifically the Iceberg variety, has been delayed by 30 days. Moreover, due to excessive rains and hailstorms, lettuces in open fields have been razed to the ground. This has generated significant gaps in the supply of product on the market, causing prices to increase by at least twice as much. Fortunately, the situation has improved and the harvest is starting again," said Maria Pezone, technician of the Italian Società Egiziaca.
About 9 months a year, from October to May, Società Egiziaca produces lamb’s lettuce, Iceberg, Romaine, cabbage salad, smooth and curly escarole destined for 20% to the ready-to-eat segment and 80% to the fresh market.
Società Egiziaca extends over a total area of 140 hectares, situated in Giugliano in Campania (Naples), 30 of which are covered with greenhouses. The company's core business focuses on products that refer to the botanical family of asteraceae, such as lettuce, escarole and lamb's lettuce, which are ideal for the ready-to-eat segment but also for the fresh market.
"Our main priority is to be able to guarantee for 9 months of the year large volumes of Italian Iceberg lettuce, because there are very few Italian producers of these references that can ensure similar quantities. In fact, our business plan includes 100 hectares of lettuce per year for the ready-to-eat segment and 25 hectares of lamb's lettuce per year, about 150 tons. In addition, we process 3000 tons of fresh lettuces per year, of which 60 tons per week of Iceberg lettuce, which is the most popular product both in Italy and abroad," added Pezone.
The mechanization of the production process is a must for the company. In addition to the ready-to-eat references, Soc. Egiziaca has extended the mechanization also to the fresh produce. Starting from August, the company will use three machines to prepare the seed bed: a power harrow, a weeder and a transplanter.
"The goal is to overcome the lack of manpower with smart solutions, to be able to stay on the crop scheduling, increase production capacity, reduce costs related to chemical weeding carried out with herbicides. The latter, which is carried out by the operating machine, minimizes the chemical inputs provided to the crops, for a more sustainable management of resources, but above all, to ensure a healthy product."
"We care about the quality of our products, but most importantly we are concerned about the well-being of the consumer. As a matter of fact, in addition to implementing regular audits, we have adopted bremia-free lettuce cultivars, to minimize the amount of fungicides, reduce product losses, as well as saving on operational costs."
Società Egiziaca operates according to the integrated pest management system and holds GlobalGAP, Grasp and Leaf certifications and is a member of the Quality Agricultural Work Network.
"We are currently open to orders for the ready-to-eat segment, and we also have lettuces and endives for the fresh market. We are also working on branded packaging. We aim to meet the needs of the market in the best possible way. As regards the ready-to-eat segment, our aim is to increasingly interact with the big players in the sector. While, for the the fresh market produce, our intention is to develop a branded product and collaborate with the Italian and foreign large-scale retail trade, but also with the Ho.re.ca. channel, starting with the local channel and, why not, also expanding into the national channel.”
For more information:
Società Agricola Egiziaca
Via Madonna del Pantano Nord
80014 Giugliano in Campania - Italy
+39 081 8392812
produzione@egiziaca.com
www.egiziaca.net