Courgettes are one of the excellent products of the Agro pontino area - their coloured and appealing flowers are a guarantee of the freshness and high-quality produce. A very difficult combination to find in other parts of Italy and worldwide.
"Courgettes represent 25-30% of our turnover. We cultivate "grezzino" (70%), Roman (15%), dark (10%) and round (5%) courgettes," explains Gino Vaccaro, owner of the Vaccaro Gino&C. company.
"Round courgettes are all the rage at the moment and demand is increasing. 80% of our products are sold with flowers, which are very appreciated by restaurants."
Vaccaro collects produce from over 50 local producers.
The Vaccaro family. Left to right: Mrs. Pina, children Alfonso and Jennifer and Gino Vaccaro.
"Courgettes are available almost throughout the year. March is the month when we have the most produce available, then there is a drop, especially in July and August. Availability is guaranteed anyway during these months by open field produce."
"60% of our produce is destined to markets and wholesalers, 20% goes to retailers and 8% is shipped abroad to Austria, France and Germany. On top of this, the majority of courgettes with flowers are requested by restaurants and small dealers."
"We handle around 10,000 tons of courgettes per year and we could say that prices hover around €0.60/0.80 per kg."
"There has been a slight drop in consumption in 2014, which we think is due to the economic crisis in general."
Vaccaro also produces tomatoes (50% of the turnover), celery and lettuce.
For further information:
Vaccaro Gino
Stand D/1504022 MOF Fondi (Latina) – Italy
Tel.: (+39) 0771 500492
Fax: (+39) 0771 521679
Email: [email protected]
