For the Altamura producers' organization, based in Pontecagnano Faiano, in the province of Salerno, in the Campania region, the year 2024 saw a slight growth, despite the challenges faced by the fresh-cut sector. Alfonso and Fabio Altamura, president and vice-president of the PO respectively, explain the current trends in the baby leaf market and what is new in this sector.
Fabio and Alfonso Altamura at Marca
The baby leaf production segment had a successful year in 2024, with the mild climate contributing to sufficient availability of the main references. Our sales channels have remained stable, though there has been a notable increase in exports to eastern European countries, which were previously considered marginal markets. Rocket continues to be a top product, but there is a growing demand for oriental varieties, which are increasingly used in cooking (Tatsoi, Baby Red Pak Choi, Mizuna, to name a few), and for edible flowers, which have already entered our assortment for a few years now," says Alfonso Altamura.
"Our goals for 2025 are ambitious. Specifically, we aim to consolidate our market shares in both the fresh produce and fresh-cut segments. The strategy is founded on two pillars: international expansion and the enrichment of the production portfolio. To that end, we plan to expand the membership base and diversify the product range, with new additions expected as early as the next summer season, primarily yellow melons and watermelons," explains Fabio Altamura.
Op Altamura is optimistic about the future and is focusing on innovation and international expansion. The company's participation in Fruit Logistica 2025 will be a pivotal opportunity to showcase its latest innovations, further solidifying its market position. "This year at the fair, we will be developing the theme 'The Green Pizza,' in collaboration with I Borboni Pizzeria, a globally renowned name in the pizza industry. The Green Pizza represents a vision of the future, with a topping featuring baby leaf products as the primary ingredient.
The event will also feature renowned pizza artisans, namely Daniele Ferrara and Valerio Iessi of Pizzeria I Borboni, as well as Geppino Croce of Vicceria and Carmine Pierno of Pizzeria Stratto. This collaboration represents an innovative opportunity to experience our products through one of the most popular and consumed products in the world, while also paying homage to what symbolizes the essence of the Made in Italy concept," explains the Altamura brothers.
Op Altamura will be exhibiting at Fruit Logistica 2025 (Berlin, 5-7 February) in Hall 4.2/Stand C-10.
For more information:
Op Altamura
via Pacinotti
Pontecagnano Faiano (SA) - Italy
[email protected]
www.opaltamura.com