Despite a challenging beginning to the season for certain crops, the spring campaign is progressing favorably, particularly due to the strong demand for early potatoes, broccoli, chicory, turnips, and cabbage. Francesco Romano, director of the Apulian company RO.GR.AN sums up the current trend in the vegetable sector in a season marked by uncertain weather conditions and rising production costs.
Evelina Marta Bojda, Francesco Romano, Annamaria Frassanito, and Simone Romano from the Salento-based company RO.GR.AN.
The current broccoli season extends until July
"Initially, the season began quietly, especially for broccoli, with low prices. However, the market has now shown signs of growth, with positive volume trends and satisfactory quotations for this product as well. However, weather conditions continue to impact the market. Sudden changes from hot to cold, poorly defined seasons, and extreme events make planning increasingly complex."
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The broccoli production cycle will continue until the beginning of July, with exports active until mid-May, when there will be more supply in Europe. "The campaign was further bolstered by production challenges in Spain, which was adversely impacted by severe flooding. This context has had a positive impact on our demand."
Early potatoes: The company's leading product line
At the forefront of our company's offerings are early potatoes from red soil, a specialty item that has gained recognition in Italy and abroad. "Despite intense competition from North African producers, demand remains strong. Our potatoes maintain a special appeal, thanks to the superior quality given by the potassium-rich soil. They are versatile, easy to prepare, and highly sought after by European markets."
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Among the most successful varieties is the Caterina6 branded Siena, which is marketed for the Italian market by RO.GR.AN. This variety is the result of an exclusive collaboration between the owner of the variety, the Dutch company The Potato Company (TPC), and the Apulian company.
"The variety has gained significant popularity in Italian kitchens due to its ease of preparation and robust flavor. The success of Caterina6 has been a strategic move, and demand currently exceeds our production capacity. We are working to increase production, but always respecting seasonality and territoriality, which represent its uniqueness," explains Romano.
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Typical and local vegetables
In addition to potatoes and broccoli, RO.GR.AN's spring range includes Galatina chicory, Salentine turnip — a unique variety that is highly appreciated for its cooking performance — and Carosello, a traditional vegetable from Lecce belonging to the cucumber family, appreciated for its freshness and crunchiness.
"There is a growing interest in these products, which represent the agricultural tradition of the area, but are well suited to the needs of modern consumers. Carosello has achieved great success in foreign markets, including Switzerland and Germany."
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Exports oriented towards Western Europe
Potatoes and vegetables are primarily marketed in Western Europe, where price levels are adequate to cover production costs. "When it comes to potatoes, unfortunately, Eastern Europe cannot sustain prices above €0.60-0.70 per kilogram, so we focus our sales on countries such as Germany, France, and Switzerland."
Participation in Macfrut 2025: First time as an exhibitor
RO.GR.AN will be exhibiting for the first time this year at Macfrut in Rimini, an event that is the reference point for the fruit and vegetable sector. "While our main focus has always been on Berlin, we are now exploring opportunities to strengthen our position in Italy as well. Macfrut is a valuable opportunity to meet longstanding customers and new contacts and to best prepare the table grape campaign, which will start with Apulian grapes at the end of June, after Sicilian grapes at the end of May."
RO.GR.AN will be at Macfrut 2025 (Rimini, 6-8 May) in Hall D5/ Stand 14.
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Photos provided by Francesco Romano
For more information:
Francesco Romano - Manager
+39 335 5374513
RO.GR.AN. Srl
Via Como, 14
73052 Parabita (LE) - Italy
Tel./Fax: +39 0833 595257
rogranitalia@gmail.com