Krugliy God greenhouse complex is located in Leningrad region and makes part of the Eco-kultura agricultural complex that acquired the enterprise in 2017, having properly estimated its production capacity.
Ms. Maria Butkina, the general manager of the greenhouse complex Krugliy God shared the information on demand on greenhouse produce, pickiness of the customers, competition in the sphere and further prospects for the development.
According to the general manager, the greenhouse complex built in 2014 has integrated successfully in the biggest agricultural complex in the country. Eco-kultura have a well-structured management system, clear understanding of the production specifics and most efficient greenhouse technologies in the Russian Federation.
The production capacity of the complex currently amounts to 6000 tons of produce per year: 3 ha are allocated to cucumbers, 2 ha to tomatoes and 1 ha to lettuce. The company is planning the construction of the second phase of the greenhouse with the capacity of 5.5 ha, where lettuce and tomatoes will be grown. The produce is delivered not only within the immediate region but also to Moscow and Moscow area.
Ms. Marina Butkina mentioned that as the greenhouse is a part of the biggest agricultural holding in the Russian Federation, they do not feel pressure from the foreign agricultural companies. The reason for that is not only the production volumes but also the quality: vegetables by Eco-kultura are biological ones and often excel foreign produce in flavor. Moreover, the greenhouse complex grow exclusive tomato hybrids and face almost no competition in this segment of the market.
As for the demand and customers’ preferences, the population have become pickier and more demanding to the quality of produce. They prefer high-quality lettuce and show interest to new varieties of cucumbers and tomatoes. For example, cocktail tomato variety Tatami has unexpectedly become very attractive, therefore, its production volume has been increasing. However, it is not profitable to grow gherkins, as their crop yield is too low for the greenhouse production.
Source: aph-ecoculture.ru