European ginger consumption has grown a lot over the past few years, and that is why a Sicilian company operating between Ragusa and Mazzarrone that trades ginger on an international level decided to launch its own project in 2013.
Cascone Srl is led by Giovanni Cascone and imports ginger from Peru. To widen its business, it started commercializing avocados from South America and, as of 2020, also from the Dominican Republic, Colombia and Mexico.
"Thanks to our trusted growers, who we follow throughout all production phases, we are able to commercialize around 700 tons of ginger a year between July and May, while avocados are available all year round with volumes of approx. 1,200 tons. 70% of the produce is organic and destined to the Netherlands, Spain, Germany and France."
"Our strength is mainly the fact that the produce is organic, so it is in line with consumer trends that see final clients oriented towards healthy products for a sustainable lifestyle. Our final consumers identify with those people who care about nutritional values. Supplies to the cosmetic industry are also growing."
"The produce is mostly transported by sea in reefers, but sometimes we resort to air transport for productions of very high quality destined to niche channels. Of course, we focus on freshness in these cases."
Container costs within the geopolitical context
"Luckily the speculative moment emerged in 2020/21/22 following the pandemic, the problems in the Suez Canal with the Houthi attacks and the situation in Ukraine has improved and container costs have gone from $7,000 to less than $3,000. Shipping companies are improving tariffs, allowing more stability."
International ginger dynamics
"According to the indications provided by our clients, our product is placed in 2, 5, 7.5 and 13.6 kg packages, but we can also use solutions with customized weights and brands. International competition is rather fierce because, during certain times of year, competitors are more active thanks to the produce coming from different areas of the world such as China or Brazil. This year, the wholesale price on the main European markets was €3.5 to €4.00/kg though, over the past few months, they reached peaks of €5-5.50/kg. The market is growing, as globalization is seeing food trends mix with social habits from various parts of the world."
For more information:
Giovanni Cascone 
Cascone Srl
+39 333 33 39 801
[email protected]