Production is ramping up at "67," a local branch of the Fellini Patrizio company in Gambettola, Italy. "We are growing several types of lettuce, fennel, and celery on land adjacent to our processing plant," explain Sales Manager Andrea Pignato and Sales Associate Luca Zucconelli.
Luca Zucconelli and Andrea Pignato
"We'll have local fennel for another couple of weeks," they add, "after which we'll continue sourcing from growers in other parts of Italy who are part of our group. One of our strengths is harvesting in the morning and delivering to most destinations in AxA within 12 to 14 hours, thanks to our logistics partner."
Overall, the vegetable market is struggling. "Prices are unfair, quality has been affected by the weather, and overlapping production has led to surpluses. Occasionally, agreements aren't fully honored, and volumes need to be reallocated. In short, it's not a prosperous period."
Partial view of the '67' company of Fellini Patrizio
As for spring production, it is now nearing completion. "Broad beans and peas sold well, with good prices. The markets for asparagus and agretti also performed decently; both were fairly typical seasons."
Celery sticks are currently enjoying strong demand. Their convenient format makes them easy to consume in a variety of ways: "They come in 150-gram pouches, with 12-centimeter celery portions. This makes them ideal for aperitifs, snacks, or pinzimonio, but they can also be used more traditionally as a cooking ingredient. Availability is nearly year-round, with production continuing for almost 12 months."
Another key feature that sets this product apart is its 12-day shelf life. "Again, the variety, combined with rapid processing from field to factory and strict cold chain management, guarantees extended freshness."
The crunchy salad also received excellent feedback. "Currently, we produce it in Romagna at Azienda Agricola 67 and in the Marche region," explains Quality Manager Deborah Frani. "For the rest of the season, we have production partners in other regions. Large-scale retail chains are now familiar with this product, and the feedback is positive with room for improvement."
"Crunchy has two characteristics," Frani concludes. "It combines crunchiness with sweetness. The combination of colors makes the packaging attractive, and it is sold at a guaranteed minimum weight of 300 grams per pack."
For more information:
FelliniPatrizio S.r.L.
Via G. Pascoli, 875
47035 Gambettola (FC) - Italy
+39 0547 659 777
[email protected]
www.fellinipatrizio.it