A unique variety with a sugar content between 8 and 10 degrees Brix, a perfect shape and an enviable shelf-life. "An exceptional cultivar alone is not enough to achieve a top quality produce, the right soil, climate, water, techniques, packaging and traceability measures are also important," explained Carmela Suriano, general manager for Planitalia, at the Eataly Smeraldo congress centre.
Carmela Suriano with Claudio Sacco, who explained that "Candonga strawberries are appreciated due to their unique flavour and because they are versatile. Chefs like them because they remain compact for a long time."
"That is how 25 producers from Basilicata created a Club and adopted a rigorous production specification to guarantee the traceability of their strawberries," added Suriano.
The Candonga Club represents therefore an additional guarantee for consumers in terms of quality, healthiness and identifiability. A specific packaging has also been created to support the variety and make it more recognisable."
Iván Leache, commercial manager for Planasa, and Carmela Suriano. Leache expressed his support for the initiative and stressed how Candonga strawberries are excellent thanks to unique weather conditions and production techniques.
Among the initiatives organised to promote the variety, there is Roadshow Excellence, a tour of the most prestigious Italian restaurants with the cooperation of Claudio Sacco, founder and director of Viaggiatore Gourmet.
Carmela Suriano with Filippo and Graziana Corvaglia, producers from Scanzano Jonico (Basilicata). Corvaglia strawberries are available at Eataly at €6.90/kg.
"We are really growing. Partners get an image and economic return for being part of the Club," said the manager for Planitalia.
Stracciatella with Candonga strawberries and asparagus.
"This year we sold 40 million plants and we expect a 30% increase next year," added Suriano.
Raw fillet and Candonga strawberries, raw veal with Candonga chutney and whole wheat bread, focaccia with smoked salmon and rocket, Tataki-style swordfish and even strawberry sorbetto!
Currently, 300 hectares producing around 15,000 tons of strawberries are part of the Club. The produce is sold in Italy (80%) and abroad to Germany, Switzerland and Austria.
As Carmela Suriano stressed, the objective of Candonga top quality producers is quality. They do not share the views of those who only care about quantity and therefore lower their prices reducing profitability and do not insist on only selling high-quality produce.
For further info: www.candonga.it