"At this time of year, in addition to all the usual references, we have Friggitelli peppers and coloured Datterino tomatoes. These are produced on our farm, next to the processing plant," says Massimiliano Ceccarini, managing director of Sipo (a company based in Bellaria Igea Marina, just outside Rimini), about the most popular products at the moment.
A package of Verdure di Romagna Friggitello peppers.
"The Friggitello pepper we propose is small, ideal for the use from which it originates, namely frying [in Italian: friggere]. If it were larger, it would be contrary to tradition. This product is available to us 12 months a year, thanks to the collaboration of farmers from different parts of Italy. During this period it is harvested on our farm, in the open field, while from August we grow it under cover, which is then available until November."
Packaging department managers Massimiliano Ceccarini and Marisa Cecchini.
Ceccarini continues: Friggitello peppers are sought after by many large retail chains and they've come to rely on us as their specialist supplier. For this reason, as with the other products under our brand, we offer consistency of supply and price stability."
Ceccarini in the field - Frigitello pepper.
Sipo's philosophy is to avoid the ups and downs of the market and to offer its customers guaranteed supplies and prices. "There is no point in lowering the price below the cost of production when there is a surplus, and then raising it disproportionately when there is a shortage. We prefer," says Ceccarini, "to have a constant line and allow customers to choose a schedule that is useful for them, for us and for the farmers. Because the supply chain can only exist if each link in the chain can cover its costs and make a profit, otherwise it shuts down."
Datterino tomato.
Another product that is very popular - and not just in Italy - is Sipomodoro's range of coloured Datterino tomatoes. "At the moment we have yellow, red, green and orange," he explains, "but other colours will be added soon, in agreement with the seed companies. These tomatoes are available all year round. We grow them from July to October here in Romagna, while the rest of the year we have producers in Sicily and Lazio."
The Sipomodoro line has not only an Italian market, but also a foreign one. "We have established an excellent business relationship with Dubai, just as we have a confirmed customer base in Switzerland. Next year we will triple the quantities compared to the 2023/24 season."
As far as prices are concerned, Friggitello peppers are not very expensive at the moment because there is a lot of supply on the market. "However, there will soon be a shortage in all areas, so an increase cannot be completely ruled out. With the Sipomodoro dates, we can differentiate our products so that customers can see the added value," concludes Ceccarini.
For more information:
Siposrl
Via Fermignano 20
47814 Bellaria Igea Marina (RN) - Italy
Tel.: +39 0541 339711
Email: [email protected]
www.sipo.it