The commercialization of Dolce Passione watermelons is in full swing and, considering the current temperatures, demand is increasing both in Italy and abroad. The Consortium made a double presentation on July 11th: a first one in the fields at Azienda agricola "Sovrani Gabriele" in Gualdo di Ferrara and a second one in Spiaggia Romea, a tourist/ naturalistic/accommodation facility owned by the Mazzoni family in Lido delle Nazioni, where guests enjoyed a lunch based fully on Dolce Passione watermelons.
"If the weather continues like this, the produce will be available until the end of September. The start of the campaign was not easy due to the rain, hail and low temperatures, but now the situation is getting back to normal," explained Luciano Trentini, director of the consortium.
Luciano Trentini.
Matteo Mazzoni, a representative from Gruppo Mazzoni, which is part of the consortium, added that "companies are made up of people and it is this kind of personal relationship - not just a professional one - that has led us to joining the consortium. Organoleptic quality is exceptional at the moment, which makes us hopeful for the sales."
Matteo Mazzoni.
Carmine Alfano from Alma Seges stressed that "in Campania, we are harvesting a good product from all points of view. We are united and pleased with the growth we are registering year after year."
Carmine Alfano.
Pierluigi Castello from Ortofrutta Castello talked about what's new for 2024, i.e. the branded cold storage units, but also stressed that "the market is recovering after a period of very low prices, and the brand helps us place our watermelons as top-of-the-range products, so that we can pay our producers good prices."
Pierluigi Castello from Ortofrutta Castello.
"We are also focusing on online sales and feedback is great. Our company was among the first to track each single fruit, first melons and then watermelons, thanks to an identification number on the rind," said Nicoletta Magnoni from Lorenzini Naturamica.
Nicoletta Magnoni from Lorenzini Naturamica.
Sandro Colombi from Lambo Seeds highlighted that "Dolce Passione is of the Giotto variety, created thanks to Italian research. The rind is black, with a deep red flesh and few seeds. As these are characteristics sought after by consumers, the fruits are very successful."
Sandro Colombi (Lambo Seeds).
Silvia Sitta from SG Marketing explained that the Dolce Passione consortium is now also part of the Be Fruity tour, a special promotion for consumers carried out on the beaches during the summer period.
Silvia Sitta (SG Marketing).
The consortium sells watermelons that are sorted and grown in Italy, boasting a very thin black rind, an average weight of 3-6 kg, a deep red flesh either seedless or with few edible seems and with a sugar content never below 11° Brix, a long shelf-life and resistance to handling. This aspect is very important, considering that the consortium sells mostly to the Italian big retail chains, either whole or sliced.
Group photo for Consorzio Dolce Passione.
Only whole fruits are instead sold to the German and French markets, either in crates or bins under the Dolce Passione brand.
In order to guarantee the maximum satisfaction of its suppliers and consumers, the consortium introduced production and commercialization specifications drafted by Alma Seges, Ortofrutta Castello, Cico-Mazzoni Srl, Lamboseeds, Op Lorenzini Naturamica.
For more information:
Consorzio Dolce Passione
Tel.: +39 0425 958750
[email protected]
www.consorziodolcepassione.com