The fact that they are grown a few dozen or a few hundred metres from the crowded beaches of Rimini is probably the reason why the melons and watermelons "from Romagna" fully express what "summer" means. "The newly increased temperatures are driving up consumption, which had slowed down about ten days ago. We are now in the middle of production and are registering remarkable results, also thanks to the zero residue," comments co-owner Christopher Bernardi.
© Cristiano Riciputi | FreshPlaza.comThere are about fifty hectares of Bernardi melons "grown in the heart of Romagna".
Bernardi boasts almost 50 hectares of melons and about ten of seedless baby watermelons this year. "As far as melons are concerned, we only have the netted variety. Production is in line with expectations in terms of both quality and yields. The produce will be continuously available until the end of September, with an excellent hold and a Brix level always above 15°," explains agronomic manager Francesco Fabbri.
© Cristiano Riciputi | FreshPlaza.comWatermelons and melons from Romagna
With regard to watermelons, the company chose the mini type, with an average weight between 2.5 and 3.5 kg. The rind is dark, and the flesh firm and crunchy, without seeds. "Demand for watermelons is high, even higher than expected," adds sales manager Armando Aruci, "and we are very pleased with the sales. Prices for both melons and watermelons were very high during the first weeks of the campaign. Then they dropped due to some weather disruptions that drove temperatures down throughout the peninsula. Demand has picked up again over the past few days, and quotations are satisfactory."
© Cristiano Riciputi | FreshPlaza.comFrancesco Fabbri checks field melon production in Rimini
Bernardi also places great emphasis on the importance of brand recognition and packaging. "We grow produce in the heart of Romagna, so we wanted to emphasise this on the label. And even the packaging, with its sparkling summer colours, wants to create an atmosphere of festivity and sharing: what could be better, in fact, than enjoying a nice slice of watermelon or a good melon at the table, during the hottest hours of the day?"
© Cristiano Riciputi | FreshPlaza.com
Another summer product that characterises the Bernardi offer on the vegetable front is aubergines. "We have 5 hectares, all in protected cultivation, and harvesting began in May. We have all the types of aubergines demanded by the market, with the round ones representing the largest percentage," concludes Fabbri.
For more information
Bernardi srl
Via San Martino
in Riparotta 5T
47922 Rimini - Italy
+39 0541 740436
[email protected]
www.ortofruttabernardi.it
