"We firmly believe in organic cultivation because, despite those who say that we need to be 'scientists' to deal with the extreme events and pathogens caused by climate change, we have understood that experience and empirical observation make the difference. Last week, for example, we managed to save various hectares of plantlets from a hailstorm. How? By disinfecting the wounds caused by the hailstones so as to neutralize the attack of possible pathogens. We have observed how, by intervening promptly in the fields, we managed to save 90% of plantlets," report Angelico Travaglini and Eleonora Nazzaro, owner of Azienda agricola Travaglini, a family business that dates back to the early 21st century.
Angelico Travaglini and Eleonora Nazzaro, owners of Azienda Agricola Travaglini.
"We specialize in the cultivation of Pera d'Abruzzo and Mezzotempo tomatoes, which we cultivate on 20 hectares using organic techniques. We like to define ourselves as the guardians of biodiversity for these local types, which would otherwise be lost. Pera d'Abruzzo tomatoes are a niche product with unique characteristics: they are delicate and do not have all the various resistances that characterize hybrid products instead. They are named after their 'pear shape' and have a deep red color and medium texture. When ripe, fruits have a round or slightly oblong shape, with ribs that can be more or less pronounced and can reach a weight of 600 grams."
The magnificent four at Travaglini: the classic tomato, the local Pera d'Abruzzo and Mezzotempo tomatoes and the international Spaccatella with yellow tomatoes.
The product range also includes sauces, single-variety extra-virgin olive oil, cooked must and various vegetables in oil such as dried tomatoes, 'mezzaferrata' artichokes, asparagus, eggplants, chili peppers and giardiniera pickled vegetables. Vegetables are processed in the laboratory near the company.
Travaglini cultivates biodiversity. In particular, it promotes Pera d'Abruzzo tomatoes via a wide ranged of products. The catalog also includes a line of fruit in syrup. organic Montepulciano grapes and Percoca peach jam in 250 gram jars. The latest arrival is the Mediterranean Gourmet ketchup made with organic tomato sauce.
Organic products are aimed at a specific target (families with children, young people under 27, and people with high incomes and qualifications and a sustainable lifestyle). The segment has huge potential, driven by an increasing health consciousness. Of course, the scandals that affected this segment have slowed down sales, especially in supermarkets, although direct ones and and those in small retail stores have increased.
"The distinction between standard and organic produce used to be clearer. Now consumers are confused by the multiple labels that say 'bio' just for marketing purposes. Saying that something is 'organic' is no longer enough to convince Italians about its value. I believe we need to work a lot on communication and explain what it means to use organic cultivation techniques. We believe this could truly change things. It is not the price that halts sales, as they are similar to those of the traditional produce. It is the lack of trust that makes consumers skeptical. Luckily, we are not affected by the crisis because we deal with small productions that we sell already before the campaign," concludes Angelico Travaglini.
For more information:
Azienda Agricola Travaglini Angelico
Via Mauro Rostagno 66/67
66050 San Salvo (CH) - Italy
Tel.: (+39) 0873 520750
(+39) 333 4540296
[email protected]
www.travaglinifood.com