Giorgio Geraci in his warehouse in Mazzarino (CL)
The company covers around 20 hectares, 8 of which are destined to prickly pears, 4 to peaches, 5 to apricots and 4 to almonds. There is also a 3,000 sqm greenhouse for soil-less date tomatoes. Integrated control techniques are implemented for all crops.
Prickly pears in crates
"The first years were terrible, I lost money and produce, but I didn't give up. After about three years, I found some outlets in France, the Netherlands and Belgium in addition to domestic retailers. I therefore chose to set up a warehouse with the machinery needed for packaging."
Prickly pears in crates destined to French retailers
70% of the production is commercialised abroad with margins that were unthinkable up to ten years ago.
"It was very hard, especially in the beginning, but I don't regret it: I don't depend on anyone and continue looking for new outlets, technologies and products."
500 gr packets are also available.
Geraci in his prickly pear orchard
"This year, drought caused quite a few problems for all crops. Grades were below average, though the season ended well thanks to emergency irrigation. The prickly pear campaign is now ending and it went well although there was little produce available."
Contacts:
Azienda Agricola Giorgio Geraci
C/da San Cono Sottano Sn
93013 Mazzarino(CL) - ITALIA
Tel.: +39 3291222214
Email: [email protected]