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Italy: Baby spinach increasingly appreciated by Northern and Eastern Europe

"Northern countries are particularly interested in baby spinach, in fact, in 2013, export volumes increased by 14% with respect to the previous year, representing 7.5% of the total volume of vegetable sold by our company," says Ortomad - a company part of the La Linea Verde group.


Unwashed Baby Spinach in 100-125 g Flow pack.

87% of baby spinach is sold as unwashed salad, loose or packed, whereas 13% is sold as fresh-cut.

The loose produce is sold mainly to Scandinavia, whereas small trays (100-125 g) are getting increasingly popular in Eastern Europe and Russia and are continuing to sell well in France.


Baby Spinach Unwashed in polystyrene 500-1000 g box.

"In addition, 1 kg polystyrene boxes are sold to wholesale markets in Verona, Padua, Milan and other clients both in Italy and abroad."

Types of Spinach
There are many names for this type of vegetable depending on the destination, shape, dimension, colour and smoothness of the leaf. There are three categories on the fresh produce market: Big Spinach, Teen Spinach and Baby Spinach.

The leaves of big spinach measure between 16 and 20 cm and they are often bullose. It is cultivated mainly in Lazio, Tuscany, Campania, Puglia and Piedmont, especially on open fields. Generally eaten cooked.


Big Spinach.

The leaves of teen spinach measure between 12 and 14 cm. The variety is not very popular in Italy yet, despite the fact that companies are very interested in producing it because of the high demand from Northern countries and Eastern Europe.

The leaves of baby spinach measure between 6 and 8 cm. Plants are generally cultivated in greenhouses and the produce is usually eaten raw in salads, as it is rich in folic acid, which degrades with heat. 



Baby Spinach.

The price of baby spinach is higher than that of the other types because its cultivation needs higher structural investments and seeds are more expensive. What is more, the cycle of plants is slower in winter, thus increasing prices.


Baby Spinach Unwashed in polypropylene mini boxes.

Established in 1998, Ortomad has a 20 year experience in the cultivation of baby leaves.



"We destine our produce to the packed unwashed and fresh-cut industries. We work to achieve constant standards and guarantee high-quality, freshness and safety to our clients the whole year round."

Contacts:
Ortomad Società Agricola s.r.l.

Via lago Carezza
84098 Pontecagnano Faiano (SA)
Tel.:+39 (0)89 200383
Fax: +39 (0)89 203901
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.ortomad.it
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