Italy is the European country with the most interesting market when it comes to the cultivated areas and consumption related to zucchini. The varietal offer is also growing.
Carmelo Calabrese (OP Colle D'Oro)
Crü zucchini by Semillas Fitò have been grown exclusively for Italy by Sicilian PO Colle D'Oro since 2011. It is a product suitable to be eaten raw and it is easily recognizable thanks to the bright green color with dark streaks.
Colle d'oro Crü zucchini grown in traditional greenhouses
What are the advantages of growing this product?
"First of all, the fact that these zucchini can be eaten raw means all those beneficial properties that are usually lost with cooking are exalted. This would be enough on its own, but it is their sweet and crunchy flesh and peel that literally won us over," reported Carmelo Calabrese, sales and marketing manager at Colle d'Oro.
Colle d'Oro Crü zucchini being harvested
"Last season, 11 hectares of greenhouses were dedicated to Crü, which produced 250 tons in total. This year, we added 5 hectares. The production cycle is long - it lasts from October to late May and, this year, the objective is to extend it by another month. Cultivation is in traditional greenhouses, so without artificial lighting and heating systems. As a consequence, the weather still has a strong influence when it comes to heat and sunlight. After all, our facilities safeguard production sustainability, as they have a rather low carbon footprint with respect to other production areas."
Colle d'Oro Crü zucchini can be eaten raw or in delicious recipes.
The exclusive brings about advantages also for the company turnover, doesn't it?
"For this product, we opted to maintain a fixed sales price for the entire season, without changing it due to mutated climate conditions or foreign competition, especially from Spain and Morocco. It helps retain consumers. We employ integrated control techniques and commercialize the produce all over central and northern Italy."
"The next challenges concern the involvement of new partners so that we can increase the areas dedicated to the cultivation of Crü zucchini and reach new markets and destinations. We would also like to employ organic cultivation techniques to improve sustainability. That is why we are also looking to introduce 100% biodegradable packaging solutions."
For further information: 
Carmelo Calabrese
OP Colle d'Oro
C.da Bufali, cp 68
97014 Ispica (RG)
+39 0932 959413
[email protected]
www.colledoro.com
