The process to assess sustainability in the companies part of the Esperidio consortium ended successfully. The project started in 2020 and represents a further step concerning topics such as corporate responsibility and environmental and economic sustainability.
In the photo, Lino Catena, legal representative and Sebastiano Catena, sales manager at OP Esperidio
“As we are approaching the citrus fruit campaign, we are proud of having passed the FSA (Farm sustainability assessment) drafted by SAI (Sustainable agriculture initiative), which analyzes the use of Good agricultural practices (GAP) with the three pillars of sustainability in mind - People, Planet, Profit."
"As for commercialization, Esperidio will start the citrus fruit campaign in week 49/50 with red-fleshed Tarocco oranges, yet with a 25% drop in volumes. In such a situation of crisis characterized by widespread price increases, we are working to find the right balance between a higher remuneration for producers and a collaboration with distributors to promote the Italian productions. It is not easy considering that, unlike competitor producer countries such as Spain, businesses in Italy do not have any kind of support when it comes to energy price hikes," explain Lino Catena, legal representative, and Sebastiano Catena, sales manager at OP Esperidio.
Organizzazione di Produttori Esperidio - Società Agricola Consortile is a company with deep Sicilian roots located in Palagonia (CT). It operates in the production and commercialization of fresh high-quality citrus fruit, especially of the blood category which includes the Tarocco, Moro and Sanguinello varieties, which hold the PGI mark.
The history of Esperidio dates back to the 1970s, when the progenitor of the family started growing blood oranges in groves on the Catania plain, founding the first company in 1997. Since then, generations continued to carry forward the family values with commitment and dedication and built a sturdy network of reliable partners and suppliers which enabled them to expand in the production, processing, packaging and distribution sectors on both the domestic and international territory.
"The attainment of the gold-level FSA assessment forms part of various innovative operations that the company has initiated this year, starting with the restyling of the company logo and numerous other projects. We completed the work on brand identity, opting for simplicity and transparency so as to convey the company values in a more immediate and impactful manner. A lot more will come over the next few months. The restyling is in line with the new company image, without renouncing tradition. The communication strategy has the purpose of renewing the image we convey keeping up with the times and improving our positioning on the market and the value perceived in the medium-long period," adds marketing and communication manager Martina Campisi.
Over the past few years, Esperidio has strengthened its presence on the foreign markets. In addition to R&D, the company is also actively involved in a new commercial and communication strategy with the objective of increasing the company's reputation within the Sicilian citrus fruit sector.
"As for brand promotion, various social and digital communication campaigns have been developed which will be followed by a revision of the corporate image and of the packaging. The objective is to renew our image while maintaining the tradition and flavor that have always characterized us in the production of sustainable citrus fruit. OP Esperidio has a new face, yet the same red beating heart!"
For further information:
O.P. Esperidio Soc. Agr. Cons. a.r.l.
Contrada Poggio Rotondo
95046 Palagonia (CT) - Italy
Tel.: +39 095 7953653
Cell.: +39 335 7846198
Email: info@opesperidio.eu
Web: www.opesperidio.it