Cherries are a relatively new product for Piedmont-based Sanifrutta, an agricultural cooperative company that produces, processes and packages fresh fruit based in Costigliole Saluzzo (CN).
“If we can say so, it is a product we have been discovering for about 10 years in the province of Cuneo, also due to a necessary diversification of crops, following, for example, the kiwi die-off. Cherries represent a growing reference, for our area: every year we double our volumes,” says Enzo Garnero, the cooperative's sales manager. "From about 100 tons in 2021, we expect a total of as much as 220-230 tons of harvest in this 2022. For next year, we are aiming for 350-400 tons, due to new plants coming into production.".
Before being able to find varieties suitable for Piedmont's soils, located between 350 and 600 meters above sea level, Sanifrutta's technicians carried out many experiments. The plants are all equipped with anti-hail and insect nets. “Harvesting has started in the earliest areas, in the last week of May. Peak volume comes around June 10-15, until the first week of July with the Kordia variety, to which the Regina cultivar will be added in the coming weeks.”.
According to Garnero's report, so far the absence of rainfall has resulted in a product of a slightly lower caliber than usual, but on the other hand it has allowed for healthy cherries with an excellent shelf life.
For the future, Sanifrutta plans to develop new areas and new varieties. In this regard, the cooperative is introducing the first cultivars of Cerasina cherries, which seem particularly suited to the area, with reduced sensitivity to cracking and, consequently, higher yields. “But additional innovative cultivars are under consideration,” adds Garnero. "Over the next 4-5 years, we should therefore increase total production.
Marketing
“Our cherries are distributed mainly in the domestic market. Export represents a 15-20%. They are exported by road at the European level, but we are also experimenting with shipments by air to some distant destinations, such as Dubai, India and Southeast Asia, from which we receive demand. It is also a way to understand the potential of these markets.’.
About 20% of the cherries are packaged under the brand “La Grande Bellezza Italiana,” of which Sanifrutta is one of the founders.
Generally, cherries are packaged in a 2.5 kg carton with a modified atmosphere bag, which allows for greater freshness of the product.
For more information:
Enzo Garnero
enzo@sanifrutta.com
Sanifrutta
Via dei Falchi, 13
12024 Costigliole Saluzzo (CN) - Italy
+39 0175 230061
sanifrutta.comPublication date: Tue Jul 5, 2022
