"From the fields to the processing laboratories, each link of the chain is based on the assumption that authentic quality can only be achieved directly, without delegating others. Processing produce means valuing it and placing it on the market at an honest price that is also profitable," explains Gianluca Manfredi, president of the La Cupa, a cooperative specializing in the production of a wide range of products including sauces and ready tomato sauces, although its leading product are dried tomatoes.
"We are working well with a few big retail chains, while it is impossible to continue with others and cover production costs between end-of-year discounts and continuous requests for special promotions. This also in consideration of the fact that we are working with price lists that have not been updated in over a year. It is essential to stress that, in order to maintain a high product and process quality, we cannot lower our prices further."
The cooperative is located in Scorrano (LE), in Puglia. It has been growing a wide variety of vegetables on 100 hectares for over 40 years. The produce is used to make preserves, spreads, jars of vegetables in vinegar or in oil and dried vegetables available in various formats. The company boasts two processing lines: one for products in oil and the other for olives. The leading product is oblong tomatoes sun-dried on frames that cover 18,000 sq m. Other dried vegetables complete the range, which require a high degree of specialization.
The most popular products are those typical of Salento: the delicious chicory from Salento, delicious bites filled with 10 expertly-mixed vegetables, stuffed chili peppers, and Cellina di Nardò and Leccino olives. Then there are olive, artichoke and tomato spreads, as well as spreads made with red and yellow oblong tomatoes and organic extra-virgin olive oil. The company is currently processing king oyster mushrooms and red and green peppers in extra-virgin olive oil.
"The new products that will be presented at Cibus Parma 2024 (May 7-10) feature a line of king oyster mushrooms, which have become very popular over the past few years. Each jar is an accurate combination of flavors from Salento without the need for flavor enhancers or glutamate."
La Cupa commercializes its products to specialized stores, restaurants, small supermarket chains and online. Part of the turnover comes from the processing of private label products for the industry both in Italy and abroad. The objective of the new facility to be inaugurated by the end of 2024 is to increase turnover especially abroad and widen the range of products from the Mediterranean tradition. The new 3000 sq m company facility will boast offices, strengthened processing lines and areas destined to the sale of La Cupa branded products.
For further information:
La Cupa Società Cooperativa Agricola
Via Supersano, 120
73020 Scorrano (LE)
+39 0836 460630
+39 377 3710636
[email protected]
www.cooperativalacupa.it