The total production is of 70-80 million bunches. "Because temperatures have been rather high recently, Germany is not buying our produce because the local one is still available. Prices are therefore very low and sales are slow," says Raffaele Ottaviani, owner of the company.
The radish campaign starts in November and usually ends in April-May. "We have already started, though with very few bunches as German demand is low. We are waiting to see what consumers want."
Radishes are handed in loose to the Stern Cooperative, which has the equipment to wash them. Water is checked every week to guarantee the quality of the product. "As we must have all the certificates German supermarkets require, we must check the produce thoroughly."
Because it is a crop that needs low temperatures, at the moment leaves are a bit small due to the current high temperatures. "In addition, we had to use anti-aphid and anti-insect netting in greenhouses as we do not treat plants because we want to have organic crops, despite the fact that we still do not have the certificate."
Ottaviani's radishes are of very high quality. "We do not treat the produce in any way and supply very clean radishes."
The sales channels are German retailers such as Lidl and Kaufland.
"Our objective has always been one of maintaining the high quality of the product. We try to have all of the certificates necessary and supply radishes of the highest standard, though there are companies that still manage to reach retailers despite the fact that they do not comply with the standards. The main competition comes from Spain, Morocco and other companies in our area."
In the future, Ottaviani wants to grow another two 6-hectare groups destined to radish production and obtain the organic certificate.
For further information:
Raffaele Ottaviani
Azienda Ottaviani
Terracina (LT)
Cell.: (+39) 328 6644477
Email: [email protected]