With 6,000 horticultural farms and 24,000 hectares under cultivation, Italy is the fourth largest country in the EU for the production of aromatic herbs. The marketing channels are diversified, but the food retail sector in particular can benefit from herbs to enrich the fruit and vegetable section.
Rosanna Bertodin, marketing manageress, and Carlo Simonato, owner of Fratelli Simonato
"To obtain good quality seedlings, it is essential to have a consolidated know-how at each stage. These herbs are very sensitive to light, and consequently, to climate and temperature variations. A careful observation of the growth phases is essential to obtain a quality product. The aromatic herbs that show the most interesting commercial dynamics are: hot pepper, coriander, chives, dill and lemon balm. Lavender is also gaining in importance, not only because it adds a special touch to many dishes, but also because it can be used to decorate green spaces,” said Carlo Simonato.
For twenty years now, Fratelli Simonato from Due Carrrare, in the province of Padua, Italy, has been a major operator in the European and Italian markets for the cultivation and marketing of organic seedlings. Last year, the company also started growing vegetable garden plants such as tomatoes, lettuce, eggplants, courgettes and cauliflowers. Over the past twenty years, the company has specialized in the cultivation of organic herbs, including basil, rosemary, sage, mint, marjoram, thyme, oregano and chili peppers.
The increased demand for herbs in difficult periods such as the current one is boosted by the closing down of the catering industry. Restrictions due to the pandemic have thus changed the buying habits of consumers. Therefore, the online channel has become the easiest to access from home. Interested parties can purchase herbs at www.cortilia.it.
"We have created a natural and environmentally friendly growing space, which allows us to grow seedlings from non-GMO seeds and without the use of plant protection products. We are sure that it is by respecting the natural and vital cycle of each plant that the health of a product can be ensured," said Carlo Simonato.
Rosanna Bertoldin and Belina Piasentin
Simonato herbs are available all year round and the interest in herbs used in traditional Italian cuisine is increasing. This is especially true for basil, sage, rosemary, mint, parsley, thyme, oregano and marjoram. The decision to offer herbs in 10 cm pots has proven practical and strategic, as it is a smaller, lighter and easier to handle format that can be showcased on shop shelves.
"We focus our attention on finding green materials with a low environmental impact and this approach is embedded in the DNA of the company. After the creation of the eco-friendly Bio Kepos 3 packaging, we have now released the Bio&Paperpack, the new 100% plastic-free packaging made out of paper. The bag is ultra light, as is the holder used for transporting and showcasing the plants in the shops," concluded Rosanna Bertoldin and Belinda Piasentin.
Contact:
Azienda Ortoflorovivaistica F.lli Simonato
Via Vò di Placca, 58
35020 Due Carrare (PD) - Italy
Tel./fax: (+39) 049 912 5935
Cell.: (+39) 347 0645998
Email: info@simonato.com
Website: www.simonato.com