Increasing demand for organic short supply chain products

"We are a family-run farm that, for three generations, has specialized in growing and processing short supply chain fruit, certified organic. One of our main products is strawberries, which we grow in protected areas and process into high quality preserves. The first structured strawberry orchard was planted by my father, Francesco, who, with tenacity and perseverance, passed on to us a passion for sustainable, low environmental impact production and a spirit of dedication. We converted the land to certified organic in 2012," says Luigi Guarino, who, together with his brothers Stefano and Agostino, runs the Guarino Natural Garden company, based in Montesarchio (in the province of Benevento) in the Caudina Valley. The Italian brand grows and markets organic strawberries, fruit, vegetables and wheat, which it processes into juices, preserves, pasta and flour.

Luigi Guarino, Guarino Natural Garden sales director, with his brother Salvatore Guarino, marketing and communications director. The photo was taken at Cibus Parma 2024 for the presentation and launch of the fresh and processed fruit line with the company's own organic strawberries.

The idea of transforming the fruit we grow," explains Luigi Guarino, "was born in response to the need to offer consumers a line of tasty, healthy and genuine products that maintain their nutritional and organoleptic properties while respecting the natural seasonality. We grow and process strawberries of the Sabrina variety, a sweet fruit of medium to large size characterized by a firm flesh. This variety has a high resistance to cold and sudden temperature changes. These are specific characteristics that make it well suited to cultivation in our area, located at 300 metres above sea level."

Grown in approximately one hectare of greenhouses, the strawberries are harvested early in the morning and quickly transported to the processing plant next to the crops, where they are processed under low heat stress and potted. Pears, kiwis, cherries, pomegranates, peaches and apricots are among the fruits processed into preserves and juices.

The brand currently prefers online and direct sales channels to avoid intermediaries in the supply chain that significantly increase the cost of both fresh and processed fruit.

"We want to reach all those families who consider food to be a fundamental aspect of health," concludes Luigi Guarino. "We guarantee a fresh product, shipped within a few hours of harvesting and suitable even for young children. The short supply chain helps us to have a personal and direct relationship with the end customer, which fosters trust between producer and consumer. We are also very proud of our debut at Cibus 2024 - undoubtedly one of the most important events in the agri-food sector. We are ready and willing to present our specialities to professionals, enthusiasts and buyers from all over the world."