Despite yields as much as 15% lower than 2023 due to the unfavourable weather conditions, production maintained a high standard
The Romagnoli F.lli Spa 2023/24 potato harvest finished in May with very satisfactory results. Even though yields were lower than 2023, a drop of up to 15% in some areas due to the unfavourable weather conditions, production stood out with its high-quality standard. The market, in particular large-scale retail and organised distributors, which are a key partner for this company from Bologna, appreciated the high service and quality standards offered, placing an appropriate value on this regional product.
Premium grade potatoes delivered on consignment - as part of the Framework Agreement for the sale of fresh ware potatoes - were valuated to be worth €550/ton, +35% compared with 2022/23 values (€0.405/kg). The PDO Patata di Bologna potato should be analysed separately given that its growing area was particularly badly affected by the spring weather conditions. It was valuated to be worth a record value of €800/ton.
The results of the harvest confirm Romagnoli’s great expertise in tackling more complicated production scenarios too, thanks to its skill in properly steering and guiding supplier farms with its technical and agricultural staff and, at the same time, constructively dealing with the distribution sector. Production also has to handle the ever-growing presence of wireworms (Agriotes spp.), insects that can now be found in all potato-growing areas in Italy and around Europe. Romagnoli’s research and development staff have long been running many projects to identify effective and sustainable ways to combat these beetles and their larvae.
“We saw a considerable reduction in yields in all areas compared with 2022/23”, explained Roberto Chiesa, the Romagnoli F.lli Spa sales manager, at the traditional meeting with producers. “The weather conditions, but also the long wave of effects from the flood in May 2023”, explained Mr Chiesa, “were the main problems to tackle. But with our skill and determination, we managed to carry out the set projects, relying on our sound commercial policies and the proven efficiency of our organisational and production structure, working very closely with customers, in particular large-scale retail and organised distributors in Italy, therefore supporting farms badly affected by the weather”.
“The success of this harvest is closely linked to the synergy and shared intent which unite Romagnoli F.lli’s goals with those of large-scale retail, which has proven to be receptive and open to dialogue with our company”, said Giulio Romagnoli, the CEO of Romagnoli F.lli Spa. “An equally important contribution comes from farms, which are strongly committed to pursuing a shared approach that brings real added value to the entire supply chain. The Emilia-Romagna system”, concluded Mr Romagnoli, “is increasingly establishing itself as the leading benchmark involving a growing number of stakeholders, including in other Italian production areas”.
In line with the process of recent years, Romagnoli F.lli Spa has continued to focus on innovation into varieties, investments in research and development and strengthening the organisational structure and human resources. Development and consolidation is continuing for the market shares of the èVita Residue-Free premium lines and the Selenella® and PDO Patata di Bologna brands, traditionally associated with the region, along with a new product this year, èVita Armonia Gourmet: a product designed to provide what the consumer wants, looking for healthy options and flavour but in harmony with the environment and natural resources. The distinctive variety featured for this product is the Melrose potato. With its characteristic pink skin and bright yellow flesh, this potato guarantees a new taste experience for the consumer. Its unique organoleptic qualities and its excellent firm consistency when cooked are also receiving growing plaudits in the industrial production sector for high-end fresh potato gnocchi. These prized characteristics are also advertised to consumers thanks to the glamorous, eye-catching pack with its stylish, modern lines. Its rich flavour and firm consistency when cooked are essential aspects that support the paradigm shift which the fruit and vegetable sector is going through: the old concept of segmented use unrelated to varieties is falling by the wayside, while an awareness is gradually developing in consumers about the specific characteristics of each variety.
The company is also keeping up with its commitment to social responsibility and is preparing for the publication of its 4th Sustainability Report, after achieving an excellent assessment in its IFS certifications and an outstanding ESG rating. These results follow suit from the recently renewed UNI ISO 14001 and UNI ISO 45001 certifications and the recently obtained UNI/PdR 125:2022 Gender Equality certification.
Image: Romagnoli F.lli
