The Albani PO, a company whose turnover has been increasing by 25% each year for the past four years, is among the most fastest growing producers and traders in south-east Sicily. Thanks to the over 80 partners covering 200 hectares in total, the volumes produced are significant and cover the whole year.
Giovanni Albani
Ever since 2000, a period that predates the current asset created in 2006, the PO focuses mostly on exports. The main markets are Switzerland, Austria and Germany. German-speaking countries, considered the most demanding in Europe by many, find in Albani a privileged interlocutor for at least two reasons: the ability to provide guaranteed quality and continuous supplies.
Rivaldo F1 smooth round (bunch) tomatoes
The manager Giovanni Albani explains the company dynamic. "Ever since we became a producer organization, we have been paying great attention to the production processes of our partners, overlooking every detail from transplant to harvesting. We focus on aggregation to strengthen our position on the market. Melanzì is the latest business that has joined us, an important player on the main reference markets. But, while our size is considerable today, the history that has led to the setting up of Albani starts from afar, i.e. when my father (Salvatore Albani, president of the business) started in this sector with half an hectare of greenhouses 40 years ago. The wish to improve, the acquisition of new skills, the ability to interpret market needs and the aggregation with reliable founding members has done the rest."
5 kg branded crate containing Rivaldo tomatoes
Interpreting market needs
"Being on the market means first of all internationalizing the company, creating a suitable commercial structure and identifying all those appealing products that can obtain the best position on the shelves. However it also means reacting when there is a crisis and providing suitable answers to commercial partners. For example, for the big retail chain we have developed a line of premium products called 'Gli Assoluti' which compete only with top products in half of Europe. Cherry, plum, midi-plum and smooth round tomatoes are part of the brand. The last segment risked coming to a half due to the ToBRFV virus, but we managed to guarantee our supplies and we actually strengthened production by introducing a very interesting variety called Rivaldo F1, which boasts elegant bunches with bright red berries with a good texture and an excellent shelf-life. Thanks to this product, we are stronger and more serene."
Rivaldo is part of "Gli Assoluti" line
The next objectives
"The most important objectives include the addition of more associates to guarantee the fulfillment of the contracts undertaken with big retail chains. Quality control for incoming goods is also very important. We also maintain very high standards when it comes to the assistance provided to producers, who can use our agronomic services and are safeguarded on all fronts. We also aim to progressively expand towards new European markets, Great Britain and Scandinavia in particular. Over the years, we have also strengthened our communication abroad with dedicated items on international sector newspapers showcasing our company and our products. Last but not least, we attend the leading international fairs."
For further information:
Albani O.P. Società Cooperativa Agricola
Legal headquarters: Via Firenze 1/d
Operating premises: Via pozzo bollente 126
97019 Vittoria (RG) – Italy
+393460892271
[email protected]
www.albaniop.it