The ongoing campaign for the Montoro copper onion is delivering strong results, particularly within the supermarket sector. Its growing popularity is driven by its clearly labeled packaging, which specifies the variety, origin, and producer. This approach resonates with consumers who are increasingly focused on traceability and willing to pay a premium for traditional, locally sourced products.
© G.B. AgricolaIn contrast, the broader fruit and vegetable market is facing challenges, with overall sales in decline. Nicola Barbato (pictured on the side), the administrator of the Italian company GB Agricola and the president of the Cipolla Ramata di Montoro promotional committee in the Campania region, attributes this trend to deeper structural issues. "On the one hand, the constant growth of supermarkets is reducing opportunities for small fruit and vegetable shops, which are the main customers of wholesale markets," Barbato explains. "On the other hand, regional specialties receive little recognition and are often treated as generic products."
Barbato emphasizes that supermarkets are more effective at communicating the identity of local products. This applies to traditional Italian onions, such as the red variety from Tropea in Calabria, the white variety from Giarratana in Sicily, and the copper variety from Montoro in Campania. These items are clearly labeled with their place of origin. However, such information is often missing in general markets, which can diminish the perceived value of the products.
A company approach founded on circular economy principles
GB Agricola stands out for its vision of blending tradition with innovation. The company has chosen to focus on the circular economy, turning what was once considered waste into valuable new opportunities. "The circular economy has always been central to our philosophy," Barbato explains. "Every agricultural product has value, even if it doesn't meet market aesthetic standards. It's our responsibility to find ways to recover and transform these products, giving them a new life."
This approach targets two key goals that is, reducing waste and opening new market channels for innovative, sustainable products. One example is the recovery of pumpkins and onions that don't meet retail standards. Large retailers enforce strict criteria, and even minor imperfections can result in a product being categorized as second- or third-grade, which makes it harder to sell.
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To cut waste, GB Agricola operates a dedicated laboratory where products are cleaned, cubed, sliced, blast-chilled, and frozen. They package these in 10-kilogram cartons designed specifically for the catering industry, which faces persistent labor shortages and requires shorter kitchen preparation times.
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The result is a variety of high-quality, ready-to-use, semi-finished products, such as sliced onions and pumpkin cubes. "This gives chefs access to fresh products that can be used immediately without intermediaries, saving time and labor," explains Barbato. In this way, waste is transformed into a valuable raw material.
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Onion leaves are turned into fuel
Another major project focuses on onion leaves, an abundant byproduct that is difficult to manage. Although they are organic, they are classified as waste by legislation, leading to high transportation and disposal costs through authorized companies.
To address this issue, GB Agricola has developed an innovative briquetting process. The leaves are compressed into briquettes that resemble wood pellets and are intended for use in stoves and fireplaces. Initial tests were conducted in collaboration with Comafer, an Italian specialized company led by Sergio Peroni. The University of Salerno is analyzing the product's energy yield and emissions to confirm its sustainability.
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The advantages are clear. The volume is drastically reduced: 90 kg of leaves, enough to fill three large waste containers, are compressed into a single carton of briquettes. Disposal costs are reduced because what was once classified as waste is now a resource. Added value is created because the briquettes can generate heat and open new market opportunities.
"What was once a problem," Barbato concludes, "can now become an opportunity, contributing to turnover and strengthening corporate sustainability. It's not just about avoiding waste; it's about giving scraps a future and transforming them into value."
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For more information:
Nicola Barbato
GB Agricola
Via Padula
83025 Montoro (AV) - Italy
+39 0825 1728592
[email protected]
www.gbagricola.it
