This is the first year Bernardi has been producing Swiss chard and the market is reacting well. "We grow the produce directly and feedback is great. The produce reaches supermarket shelves in just a few hours, as freshness is at the basis of good quality."
Left to right: Armando Aruci and Christopher Bernardi with a crate of Swiss chard
For Bernardi, 2024 started with an increase in cultivated areas, which have almost reached 200 hectares (all in the Rimini area), 6 of which are greenhouses. "Cauliflower is among the products we are currently selling. Production is great despite a few initial problems caused by the weather. Prices are within the norm, although production costs are so high that they erode most of the margins."
Christopher Bernardi with cauliflower crates
Bernardi also commercializes products from producer partners such as fennel from Basilicata. "The market is not so bad for good quality products, that is why we check suppliers to make sure that they follow our protocols." All Bernardi products are zero residue.
The company also sells zucchini
"We will soon begin transplanting melons in greenhouses and then we will grow eggplants. Protected cultivation means we can widen the range to early and late periods and to have more products part of our zero residue range. We will also have chicory and leek in open fields, with extended rotations to avoid soil fatigue and always obtain the best quality."
Christopher Bernardi
"The market has fluctuated over the past few months. The produce was lacking in November and everybody was requesting it leading to an exaggerated increase in prices. Then there was a more normal phase until February, when supplies increased while consumption stagnated or dropped with diminishing prices. It is not easy to work in these conditions."
For further information:
Bernardi srl
Via San Martino
in Riparotta 5T
47922 Rimini
+39 0541 740436
s.bernardi@ortofruttabernardi.it
www.ortofruttabernardi.it