Despite the current challenges, primarily the water shortage, Gallicchio Frutta, the company that owns the Divino - Il kaki italiano brand, continues with its development plan.
Francesca Gallicchio, the company's managing director, announced a significant expansion of the production base thanks to new partners. This will increase the number of hectares dedicated to persimmon cultivation for the 2025/26 season.
The new producers are primarily from Apulia, Basilicata, and Calabria. "This expansion of the southern Italian grower network will increase the cultivated area by about 20 hectares, bringing the total area dedicated to the Rojo Brillante variety to 100 hectares. "This increase in surface area testifies to the confidence in our brand, which has been on the market for less than two years, and in the potential of this market segment."
© Gallicchio Frutta Srls
Regarding the challenges associated with irrigation, Francesca Gallicchio remarks, "Significant measures are being taken to adequately supply the plantations with water. In some cases, we have had to take extraordinary measures, such as providing emergency irrigation and transporting water to plots with inefficient water networks or that are supplied with water only once a week."
© Gallicchio Frutta Srls
The water shortage is causing losses in some areas. "We have already lost some persimmon crops because we have been deciding which ones to abandon due to the lack of water. Despite this, the project remains attractive, and commercial demand is high. Italian and foreign buyers are calling to plan next season's supplies."
Divino Italian persimmons are characterized by their seedless, firm fruit with edible skin and a long shelf life. This tasty fruit, which has crisp flesh and a bright orange color, is enjoyed by adults and children alike. They are grown in southern Italy using environmentally friendly techniques that align with sustainable development goals.
This includes an ongoing commitment to techniques and tools such as integrated pest management, drip irrigation, and recyclable packaging. Gallicchio Frutta is introducing new product lines, such as dried persimmon chips. They recently acquired a state-of-the-art fruit drying machine for this purpose. The market launch is planned for next autumn and will focus on affordable packaging that can be purchased through various channels, including vending machines and retailers.
This combination of innovation, sustainability, and a robust producer network strengthens Gallicchio Frutta's position in the fruit and vegetable market.
For more information:
Divino - The Italian kaki
Gallicchio Frutta Srls
Via Piemonte n. 36/b
75020 Scanzano Jonico (MT) - Italy
+39 335 5872063 (Antonio)
+39 334 8121776 (Francesca)
[email protected]
Ilkakidivino.com
