"The campaign dedicated to Sicilian peaches, considered as a superior level product, proceeds at an excellent pace. We must distinguish ourselves from other companies in order to stand out in a market that is becoming on one hand increasingly selective, and on the other engulfed by generic goods", affirm Vincenzo and Angelo Di Pasquale, the creators of the Donnalia brand, a brand that is having considerable success within the main national retail chains' sector.
Angelo and Vincenzo Di Pasquale
The campaign, following some initial uncertainties due to unfavourable weather conditions, has developed very well during the summer, and has recovered with success thanks to its production which reached its highest level, both in terms of quantity and quality. As far as the calibers are concerned, they remain stable.
"A selected product with a unique flavour like the ones our customers are used to needs to be properly presented. To this respect, adequate packaging has certainly contributed to the recognition process. Not only is the product packaged beautifully, highlighting its value, but it is also sustainable. We have in fact started implementing plastic free packaging for our peaches and nectarines, which represent our company's core business".
An example of a plastic free packaging
"Additionally - as stated by the authors of the Donnalia report - as of next year, there is a chance that the excellent Delia peach will be carrying the prestigious PGI mark. This would further enhance the exceptional quality of our fruits which, of course, will be marketed with the EU recognition as soon as possible. In the "Gazzetta Ufficiale della Repubblica Italiana n.187" ("Official Journal of the Italian Republic n.187" translator's note) dated 10 August 2019, the proposal for the PGI standard recognition of the Delia peaches has already been published. This publication will last thirty days, as required by law, and, subsequently, the relative specification will be transmitted to the European Commission for the final and definitive stage".
The territories of numerous neighbouring municipalities are involved in the Protected Geographical Indication standard of the Delia peaches. Within the province of Caltanissetta, the following are included: Serradifalco, Caltanissetta, Sommatino, Riesi, Mazzarino and Butera. As for the province of Agrigento, the areas involved are those of Canicattì, Castrofilippo, Naro, Ravanusa and Campobello di Licata.
There are numerous varieties allowed by the procedular guideline, including yellow flesh peaches, white flesh peaches and also nectarines. The timeframe set for the fruits to mature goes from May 25th to October 20th.
Canicattì PGI-labelled table grapes
However, it should not be forgotten that Di Pasquale also specializes in the production of table grapes, namely the grapes of the "Italia" variety, also known as the queen of grapes!
"Our grape production falls under the aegis of the Consortium for the protection of Canicattì PGI-labelled table grapes. Approximately 80% of the marketed Italian grapes and part of the foreign grapes are also protected by this label. Our main foreign destinations and customers are located in France and Germany".
"This year's campaign dedicated to the "Italia" grape variety has registered a delay of an average 10 - 15 days (up to 20 days) and was accompanied by a slightly decrease in volumes compared to the average of the period. However, this did not jeopardize the quality of the grapes which remains very appreciable".
Contact:
Società Agricola Di Pasquale Srl 
Via Michelangelo, 7
93010 Delia (CL) - Italy
Tel.: +39 (0)922 826009 /+39 339 4895230
Fax: +39 (0)922 826009
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.donnalia.com
