"Research has proven that herbs and spices are important allies for our health, especially on a diet as they help reduce sodium, fat and calories, making dishes healthier and tastier. One of the most popular herbs in summer is basil, which is available in convenient 14 cm pots with an attractive design. Chilli peppers and mint are also popular, the latter being widely used especially in summer to make delicious aromatic and refreshing aperitifs," reports Carlo Simonato, owner of the Italian family-run company Ortoflorovivaistica F.lli Simonato.
Marketing manager Rosanna Bertoldin explains that "the organic aromatic sector is growing despite the fact that a segment of consumers has lost confidence in recent years, following the scandals that involved some companies. We must highlight the values of organic produce, as well as the certifications attesting to its wholesomeness and the care for the environment that comes with it. The Mediterranean diet is on our side, in the sense that it supports the use of aromatic herbs in cooking, herbs that also reflect the cultural traditions of the countries of reference. So Italian cooks add basil leaves; Asian cooks use coriander. In Germany for example, a reference country for organic produce, they use parsley to season soups and stews."
The company specialises in the cultivation and commercialization of organic aromatic plants, which are available all year round. In particular: basil, sage, parsley, chives, rosemary, mint, oregano, marjoram, thyme, dill, lemon balm, coriander, watercress, chervil, chamomile, lavender and liquorice. Basil is always the king of aromatic herbs, especially in summer, thanks to its many uses in the kitchen. The company has also started selling plantlets to grow at home, on the terrace or in the garden, available all year round in a kit containing six organic sage, basil and mint plantlets.
"The focus we started placing on organic production and environmental sustainability already 20 years ago led us to designing innovative packaging solutions for the big retail chain. After creating BIO KEPOS 3 - a completely environmentally-friendly packaging solution - we launched Bio&Paper Pack, a new plastic-free packaging. Pot holders, which are essential for point-of-sale display, are made of recycled cardboard suitable for contact with food, and in a natural colour."
"The sale of vegetable plantlets went better than expected. A sign that, in addition to the purely commercial aspect, the approach to sourcing food is also changing. They are easy to grow on balconies and remain medium/small in size even when fully grown and mature. In order to be able to satisfy the particular tastes of our customers, we have a wide choice of plants including: tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, eggplants, also of various varieties. For example, when it comes to tomatoes we have cherry tomatoes, plum tomatoes and beefsteak tomatoes."
For more information:
Azienda Ortoflorovivaistica F.lli Simonato
Via Vò di Placca, 58
35020 Due Carrare (PD) - Italy
+39 049 912 5935
+39 347 0645998
[email protected]
www.simonato.com