The opportunities on the Italian market have now been mapped out by the Dutch government. Although the figures are intended for Dutch horticulture suppliers, they provide an insight into the Italian greenhouse horticulture market for anyone interested in it. With an annual turnover of 3 billion and 37,000 hectares of greenhouses this sector offers great opportunities for suppliers.
Greenhouses: structures and systems
In a fact sheet the Netherlands Enterprise Agency provides more information about the current situation in the sector. Greenhouses in Italy generally consist of a metal construction with plastic covering. Loose tunnels are often used for fruit and vegetable production. Multi-tunnel greenhouses are used for fruit and vegetable cultivation but also for the production of leafy vegetables that are packed on location, ready-to-use for the consumer. Greenhouses with a higher level of technology are mostly used for the cultivation of flowers and herbs and to grow cuttings. 20% of the greenhouses, mainly in the flower industry, are equipped with a heating system and 10% of greenhouse cultivation is done on substrate, particularly in tomato cultivation.
Requirements and investment
Many small farmers do not have the desire or the resources to invest. Still there is a large number of growers who are looking to innovate and improve. These are often the larger greenhouse companies, whose products are (partly) sold abroad.
In northern Italy there are opportunities in flower cultivation for technology and automation. In the south, Lazio and Sicily, substrate cultivation is expanding. In Campania the production of leafy vegetables is quickly developing, investments are being made in mechanization.