The harvest of the first strawberries on substrate in southern Italy is once again a reality. A few weeks after Comibmetal Carrera delivered the last posts and gutters, the grower is in production.
"We are surprised by the results," says Demetrio Nicodemo of Gruppo Nicofruit. "We planted 130,000 rooted cuttings on substrate in a double-row system on 22 October. After 45 days, we picked the first strawberries, and we have already achieved five rounds of harvesting in the meantime. Our acreage currently covers 1 hectare, but over the next 4-5 years, we plan to add about 20,000 m2 each season. The goal is to speed up and simplify cultivation and harvesting operations, improve the working conditions of our employees and respond to the critical labor shortage."
Combimetal Carrera's substrate system featuring up to three height-adjustable rows simplifies the harvesting process, guarantees higher productivity, and provides a neater growing site. "The size grading of the fruit picked so far is excellent. The average weight ranges from 30 to 60 g. The ripening and uniformity of the fruit improves, and it is easier to apply plant nutrition and plant protection products," concluded Nicodemo.
On the other hand, Giusi Carrera, sales manager of Combimetal Carrera, a company known for specializing in the processing and fabrication of steel structures, says, "The best thing is to see the entrepreneurs satisfied with their investment. We will never stop thanking them for their trust in us. Despite the complex socio-economic context, we are closing out 2022 on a positive note. We have built several plants in Basilicata, Calabria, Sardinia, and Apulia, and we have more in the pipeline for next year."
"Despite the uncertain situation, we took advantage of lower raw material prices in recent weeks to stock several tons of aluminum. We continue to work to keep our customers' investment costs low and design professional systems for strawberry growers."
For more information:
Combimetal Carrera Srl
Via Lido 3 – 75025 – Policoro (MT)
+39 0835 973481
combimetalcarrerasrl@gmail.com
combimetalcarrera.it