The partners of Consorzio Alma Seges, i.e. Lamboseeds, Lorenzini Naturamica and Ortofrutta Castello, successfully cultivated the 200 hectares of watermelons planned in the spring of 2023 and, despite a few losses caused by adverse weather events, the sales objectives of 10,000 tons should be exceeded.
Left to right: Sandro Colombi, Luciano Trentini, Roberto Castello, Carmine Alfano, Cristiano Lorenzini
The commercialization of Dolce Passione watermelons started in early June with the early produce from Sicily, then climbed up the peninsula to northern Italy. After the summer production, the commercialization of Dolce Passione will have a summer-fall segment for both the domestic and foreign markets due to the second harvest.
This is possible precisely due to the characteristics of this cultivar, characterized by excellent productivity plus the fact that, if pollinated correctly, it presents yields that exceed 80 tons per hectare with fruits between 4 and 6 kg and a high Brix level: 13.5° Brix were in fact exceeded in multiple occasions.
"The flesh is always bright red and only has a few seeds. Watermelons have a thin rind and, if harvested correctly, they boast an excellent shelf life. We believe the results achieved during this 2023 will lead to good economic results for the companies that have grown this fruit," reported director Luciano Trentini.
Processing at Lorenzini Naturamica
At the end of the commercialization period, the members of the Consortium will be able to make a more complete assessment of the campaign and to plan the one for next year, when the cultivated crops should at least double.
"This year was characterized by weather that at times affected production and consumption. We should stress the terrible weather in May, when many cultivation areas were damaged by the abundant rain in those locations where mulching was not carried out properly."
President Roberto Castello
"In July and August, the bad weather in Northern Europe with abundant rain and low temperatures slowed down consumption in the countries of our usual buyers. This meant the market was rather slow for a few days until the high temperatures in our country made up for it, as they favored the consumption of black-rind watermelons, very popular in big retail chains, and of large striped ones, a favorite of those who prefer slices."
For further information:
Consorzio Dolce Passione
+39 0425 958750
[email protected]