New 'Dolce Passione' watermelons boast a perfectly round shape that inspired the name of the variety (Giotto), a thin rind, uniform black color and an average weight of 4-6 kg. They are only grown in Italy, so as to guarantee their high quality and complete traceability. The rind is black, while the flesh is deep red, very crunchy, with a high Brix level and only a few edible seeds.
"The Dolce Passione project was developed thanks to the collaboration between Lamboseeds - creator of the Giotto cultivar - and businesses Ortofrutta Castello and Alma Seges. The "la Passione cambia Colore" slogan (i.e. "Passion changes color") aims at promoting the consumption of black-rind watermelons, which are commonly found in traditional cultivation areas in Italy."
Around 6000 tons are available this first year. The choice of growing the fruits in multiple regions is strategic, as production needs to be planned to guarantee continuous supplies.
"The packaging is appealing and all components are fully recyclable. Watermelons, which have medium grades, are placed in a practical packaging solution that helps consumers purchase them, carry them and store them."
The data in Italy
In 2020, watermelons were grown on a total area covering little over 13,400 hectares in Italy - 11,000 of which open fields with the remaining part in greenhouses producing around 653,500 tons in total (550,000 of which from open fields).
The regions with the most open fields are Lazio (2,270 ha), Apulia (2,075 ha), Lombardy (1,433 ha), Sicily (1,440 ha), Campania (1,103 ha) and Emilia Romagna (1,037 ha). The regions with the most greenhouse crops are Lazio (901 ha), Sicily (745 ha) and Campania (466 Ha). In the north, Lombardy is the region with the most hectares (134 ha).
"All those who have taken part in the project are sure the produce will certainly please growers, traders and consumers, as quality is extremely high."
For further information
Sandro Colombi (Lamboseeds) 
+39 331 5249901
Carmine Alfano (Alma Seges)
+39 335 291150
Aritz Kerman (Ortofrutta Castello)
+39 3713613322