After the news of the reopening of the borders, Italian companies are organizing the export of plums to Brazil. Among them is the Sapore di Romagna cooperative, run by the Canonici brothers.
We used to export plums to Brazil more than 10 years ago", says Luca Canonici, "but then the borders were closed, just like those to Russia. The news of the reopening is very positive and we expect to be able to ship the first containers of Angeleno, the variety that is currently most suitable for the long trade routes, as early as next fall."
From left to right: Enrico, Mattia, Luca, and Cristian Canonici in the new modern building. Enrico and Mattia represent the third generation.
To begin with, Canonici is aiming to export about ten containers. "It will not be easy to regain lost positions, but we have not lost enthusiasm nor commitment. The containers will leave from the ports of region Liguria and we will do everything we can to be competitive with our main competitor, Spain."
Once again, however, the absurdity that prevails in Europe becomes apparent, namely, the fact that each nation has to negotiate the phytosanitary protocols for the fruit that is sent out, while in the case of the fruit that comes in, it is the European Union that opens the borders for everyone. "This is a real nonsense, a gap that penalizes us to a great extent. There is a lack of reciprocity with other countries, and the fact that until today Spain could export plums to Brazil, but not Italy, is a clear example of this."
Luca Canonici with a box of Angeleno plums (archive photo)
For Sapore di Romagna, plums represent 45% of all the fruit sold. "We specialize in this, but we are not going to stop at what's been achieved so far. The plum sector can still grow. It is necessary to innovate in terms of varieties and at the same time to communicate the characteristics of the different varieties to the consumer. Plums are easy to eat, they are available in a variety of flavors and they have a wide calendar in the summer fruit segment," concludes Canonici.
For more information:
Coop Sapore di Romagna Soc. Agr.
Via del Canale, 20/D
47122 Forlì
+39 0543 476344
[email protected]
www.saporediromagna.it
