"Our goal is to improve the perception of tomato quality by offering culinary professionals the chance to learn about the origin of our products firsthand." According to Domenico Catapano, Finagricola's Marketing and Communication Manager, quality is "a shared path comprised of care, sustainability, and responsible choices at every stage of the supply chain." The company, which oversees three brands in the fresh and processed fruit and vegetable sector, endorses this approach.
Finagricola has designed an immersive experience for catering professionals that focuses on the quality of datterino tomatoes, including the red, yellow, and orange varieties, as well as pizzutello tomatoes. This initiative is a response to positive market demand that has contributed to the company's continued growth. The yellow datterino tomato is considered a top product because of its sweetness. Sixty percent of foreign turnover comes from fresh products, complemented by a line of processed products under the Così Com'è brand.
© Concetta Di Lunardo | FreshPlaza.com
Professionals from the restaurant industry and the baking arts were given the opportunity to explore the production chain through the experiential format offered by Finagricola, under the Grangusto brand. The summer event featured pizzaioli and chefs interested in the origins of date tomatoes, including the yellow and red varieties. The tour consisted of three stages, each illustrating a different part of the process from sowing to processing.
© Finagricola
The first stop on the tour was the Finagricola nursery, where seeds are selected and seedlings are grown. This initial phase is crucial for ensuring the quality of future harvests. The group's next stop was the cultivated fields, which cover an impressive 360 hectares. There, participants observed agronomic techniques such as natural pollination by bumblebees, harvesting at optimal ripeness, and monitoring environmental parameters.
The tour concluded with a visit to the processing plants. Datterino tomatoes are processed here using advanced technology that preserves their organoleptic properties. Domenico Catapano, Finagricola's marketing manager, explained that the tomato is "a product of excellence and a symbol of the company's agricultural and cultural identity." The goal of the Datterino Tour is "to build bridges between those who cultivate the land and those who creatively transform each ingredient."
© Finagricola
Due to positive feedback, the Datterino Tour will be offered again to further the dialogue between the agricultural and restaurant sectors. The tour is designed to increase knowledge of the product. At the end of the day, the Sala del Gusto tasting room hosted a tasting event where producers and professionals could discuss the product.
© FinagricolaAt the end of the tour, guests were invited to the Sala del Gusto tasting room, where they enjoyed a selection of refined Finagricola products. The dishes were prepared with an emphasis on simplicity and respect for the ingredients. This informal gathering fostered genuine conversations between producers and professionals dedicated to excellence.
The Datterino Tour highlights Finagricola's commitment to transparent supply chains and environmentally friendly practices. Sixty percent of the fresh produce exported commercially is destined for Europe. Around 30% of preserved products are exported to Europe, America, and Japan. Finagricola markets its products through a variety of channels, including supermarkets, specialty shops, food services, and e-commerce platforms. This strategy has resulted in extensive distribution within the catering, restaurant, and large-scale retail sectors.
For more information:
Finagricola Soc. Coop.
Viale Spagna, 6 - Zona industriale
84091 Battipaglia (SA) - Italy
(+39) 0828 614511
[email protected]
www.cosicome.eu