"We can count on a few specialized operators who package all the apricots and Saturn peaches by hand throughout the summer campaign. The result is a riper produce which therefore boasts superior organoleptic qualities and a longer shelf life that clients, even foreign ones, seem to appreciate," explains Jenny Ghiddi, owner of 'Domenico Laghi' in Forlì.
Jenny Ghiddi owner of "Domenico Laghi"
She has chosen to proceed with hand-sorting/packaging for a couple of products. As confirmed by operator Mirco Zoffoli. "The costs of hand processing are 30% higher, but the result is impressive. The fruit is handled gently and we can tell our producers to harvest the fruit when it is riper, i.e. with a higher brix level. As it is not handled by mechanical graders, we can handle fruits that are more delicate."
Peaches are sorted from bins
At the same time, the shelf-life of produce processed gently by hand is much longer so, despite the higher ripening level, it can be exported without problems. "We work a lot with Switzerland. There are areas where clients want fruits of the highest quality and our work meets their standards."
Packaging by hand
In Italy, the clients who prefer riper produce harvested by hand are a few market wholesalers and the supermarket chains that care more about quality. "It is essential to have skilled workers you can fully trust. Our operators know how to move and work in full autonomy."
Zoffoli expresses a certain perplexity as regards the current market situation: "it feels like being on a roller coaster: prices spike and drop for reasons that are sometimes unexplainable."
Mirco Zoffoli
"There certainly is a section of the big retail chains that appreciate high-quality and we can make plans with them so as to avoid such fluctuations."
For further information
Domenico Laghi Sas
Jenny Ghiddi
Via Cà Mattioli, 2
47122 Forlì FC
+39 0543 722349
info@domenicolaghi.it