“The ability to combine tradition with innovation without losing sight of production quality is the key to the success of a modern company. Following the trends of an increasingly demanding market is crucial, ” says Giuseppe Libretti, CEO of the eponymous group that has been a major player in the International fresh produce market since 1950. The company has recently completed the switch from 20 hectares to organic cultivation of various tomato varieties, peppers, aubergines, courgettes and cucumbers, among others. With the changeover, the company wants to meet the increasing market demand for organic products. “A biological product is obtained by banning Plant Protection agents so that there is no trace of chemical residues that are potentially harmful to the body in the harvested vegetables or fruits. We only apply integrated crop protection strategies. For fertilization, too, we prefer what comes from nature. That means more respect for the environment by pursuing a sustainable model that uses renewable resources and does not disrupt the ecosystem. At the same time, the products are of high quality,” says Giuseppe Libretti. “The organic supply chain is strictly controlled. Our crops are periodically subjected to inspection visits by the competent authorities. The inspections shall verify traceability from raw material to final product, authorisations, processing and storage conditions and the absence of plant protection products or other elements prohibited by the certifications. We want to offer the consumer maximum transparency about the products with organic label. Our ultimate goal is to contribute to a better future for the next generations”, continues the entrepreneur. “We have unfortunately had to deal with the spread of the tobrfv virus this season. The result was a decrease in yields. We are still struggling with the problem and therefore we also have to show a careful product selection. Prices have so far been quite high and we have not suffered too much from foreign competition, even though Belgium and Austria, among others, have a strong presence on the market. Bio continues to advance throughout Europe, but Italy, with 80% of sales, remains our most important market for the time being. Abroad, we have a presence in Switzerland, Austria and Poland, as well as in some other countries where high-quality products are in demand.” “What is new is that in recent months we are in the process of introducing a line of nickel-free products to meet the needs of consumers allergic to this heavy metal, which is naturally present in nature and which until recently prevented this group of consumers from consuming vegetables. We believe it is important not to leave these consumers out in the cold and we do everything possible to give them a hand.” “We can respond to the most diverse needs of the major supermarket chains with packaging solutions that meet advanced standards and European regulations. The most popular formats are packages of 250, 300 and 500 g and loose vegetables in crates of 30×40 cm.”
