The cucumber campaign in Sicily is currently underway, with production expected to extend into June. The seasonal trend appears to be normal, and no particular problems have been encountered. With regard to the overall volumes, these will remain similar to previous years.
The main and most impactful trend in the sector seems to be the marked diversification towards premium products, as classic cucumbers are no longer considered a growing item in the market. The focus is shifting to new varieties, in particular mini snack cucumbers.
This is what emerged from a recent interview with Salvatore Astuto of the producer organisation Platinum based in Ragusa, Sicily, which is redefining its commercial approach, focusing on premium production. The cooperative is increasingly moving towards specialisation. The company confirms that, while maintaining established quotas with supermarkets, regular cucumbers are no longer a growing item in its catalogue.
Today, the focus is on snack cucumbers, which now make up around 40% of the company's cucumber production. This orientation towards new varieties, which takes place mainly on the Italian market, has been going on for two years. Snack cucumbers are packaged in 500-gram trays and are marketed exclusively under the company's own brand name.
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The production of these specialities makes use of above-ground hydroponic cultivation," explains Salvatore Astuto. OP Platinum uses coir and perlite pads, through which the varieties absorb all the necessary nutrients, ensuring healthy and wholesome products. Hydroponic cultivation is a strength of the organisation, which has more than 90 hectares of active protected crops.
In terms of the overall volumes handled by the company, cucumbers account for about 15% of the annual total. The top products in volume remain tomatoes, which make up about 50% of production, followed by peppers, among which the Sweet Palermo variety stands out.
The organisation's commitment extends to innovation for food safety. All products, including those of the traditional Fruttibleo and Nickel-Free lines, are Nickel-Free and Hormone-Free tested and certified. The adoption of a traceability system by means of QR-codes on the label guarantees the documentation of the entire journey of each reference.
For more information:
Salvatore Astuto
O.P. Platinum Soc. Coop. Agr.
C.da Piombo, s.n.
97100 Ragusa - Italy
+39 330 814094
+39 339 4191445
[email protected]
www.opplatinum.it
