Future prospects and continued growth thanks to the latest acquisitions by incorporation. Interview with the general manager of the Faenza fruit and vegetable cooperative
Aggregation of supply, research and innovation, and diversification are the three pillars on which Agrintesa, the giant fruit and vegetable cooperative based in Faenza (Ra), is looking to the future with renewed confidence and increasing strength, following the acquisition by incorporation of the Emilia-based Fruit Modena Group. With this in mind, AgroNotizie® interviewed the general manager of the cooperative, Cristian Moretti.
The integration process of Fruit Modena Group leads Agrintesa to face the pear sector with even greater strength and awareness. What are the strategies to be implemented to defend the sector, which has been so badly affected in recent years by production and market problems?
“The first objective is to defend the product, starting from the production level. In recent years, the main difficulties have been in the field, and this remains a complex challenge. However, given the importance of the species for Emilia Romagna and for Agrintesa in particular, we must take all possible action, starting with active defence, which the cooperative has been firmly committed to for years, with concrete support for producer members who choose to invest in these protections, which are now essential for safeguarding production.”
“When talking about pears, the Asian bug and brown spot immediately come to mind: these are significant problems for which effective molecules must be available. These molecules have been withdrawn, and we are asking for discussions to be reopened with the authorities responsible for their authorisation. At the same time, it is necessary to continue with determination on the research front, with the aim of developing more resistant varieties, and to work in the agronomic field to disseminate and promote more effective practices against adversities and, last but not least, to evaluate new rootstock plants that are less sensitive to climate change.”
“The watchword is clear: defend the product and enable our members to produce, bringing pear cultivation back to sustainable production levels. This is a commitment that sees us at the forefront as Agrintesa, but also through Unapera, the Emilia Romagna PGI Pear and the Opera Consortium (of which we are a member) and strong coordination between the main pear producers. The players in the supply chain must operate on two fronts: on the one hand, protecting producers’ incomes, and on the other, promoting the product to the fullest by defending market share and the presence of Italian pears on the shelves from foreign competition, which has taken advantage of our reduction in production in recent years, occupying spaces that historically belonged to us.”
All the parameters of the latest 2024-2025 financial statements are up, from turnover to member remuneration and investments. How did the summer fruit season end and what are the marketing prospects for winter fruit, first and foremost kiwis?
“The summer season ended well, with production returning to almost normal levels and a receptive market that recognised very attractive prices. For some species, such as cherries, peaches and nectarines, the results were very satisfactory, with prices among the highest in recent years. In autumn, however, we saw a more cautious market, with weaker overall demand and more varied trends among the different species: some maintained positive performance, while others are suffering more from the slowdown in consumption.”
“As for kiwis, we are optimistic. Yellow-flesh varieties, thanks in part to the product club formula, will continue to be valued at attractive prices, partly because they are supported by high demand. But we also expect a positive year for green kiwis: harvest prices have been high and, given that European production is not particularly high, we expect satisfactory results, in line with recent seasons.”
On the wine front, despite a positive harvest in terms of quantity and quality, there are concerns about declining consumption. What is the situation you are observing?
“Despite a complex international context, the Romagna wine sector has been able to carve out its own space thanks to two distinctive elements: a predominantly white wine production, which is now enjoying greater interest on the markets, and a strong specialisation in table wines, which continue to enjoy significant demand. This is allowing us to face a positive season, better than the forecasts of a few months ago, despite a general decline in consumption. Romagna wines are proving to be resilient and maintaining their position compared to other production areas.”
The incorporation of Fruit Modena Group, following those of Osas in Calabria and Ortolani Cofri in Romagna, continues to increase the size of Agrintesa, making it a leading European player. What are the next steps to look to the future with great confidence?
Agrintesa is growing because it firmly believes that aggregating supply, diversifying production and territories, and achieving a strong “critical mass” of products are the fundamental levers for defending the profitability of our producer members and maintaining a leading role in the markets. The next steps will be in the name of consolidation: Agrintesa will continue to invest in technology, research and people, as we have done in recent years.
The size and solidity achieved by the cooperative allow us to do so with even greater effectiveness and vision: we look to the future by focusing on product and process innovation, but also on the evolution of our organisational models, for an Agrintesa that is increasingly modern, efficient and capable of anticipating market needs and responding to the expectations of its members.
Source: AgroNotizie®
Author: Lorenzo Pelliconi
