The wide range of crops grown on their own farm, as well as the certifications that guarantee them, and the cultivation techniques for Zero Residues and Zero Nickel, are just some of the reasons why Ortofrutta Bernardi's market positioning in Italy is stronger and has nearly doubled its exports in just one year."
Stefano and Christopher Bernardi
"Germany, Austria, and north-central European countries," says Christopher Bernardi, "are markets that are steadily expanding for us, with a big leap forward in the last year alone. They greatly value certifications from abroad, and we have all the processes under control. Also, thanks to the fact that we produce so much of what we sell, thanks to the 100-plus-hectare farm."
During the recent Macfrut fair, the Bernardi family took the opportunity to meet with customers and kick off their 70th-anniversary celebrations. "Ours is a history where women have played a leading role," began Stefano Bernardi. "My grandmother Assunta, before World War II, used to pass by local farmers with a horse-drawn cart and then resell at the Rimini market. My mom Maria, on the other hand, was one of the few women who could drive the truck. She would leave with workers, and they would go to pick up produce from farmers throughout the region."
Mama Maria officially opened the business in 1953, and the growth has not stopped since then. "In recent years, the relationship with the large-scale retail trade has increased. We've seen an increase, especially for our melons. We also have an emphasis on packaging. At the fair, we presented the eco-friendly packaging of the La Bella Stagione nickel-free line. The lidded cardboards are fully compostable, with a PLA window, and contain certified nickel-free cherry, date, and piccadilly tomatoes."
For more information: 
Bernardi srl
Via San Martino
in Riparotta 5T
47922 Rimini
Tel.: +39 0541 740436
s.bernardi@ortofruttabernardi.it
www.ortofruttabernardi.it