FROUTONEA_UK_MARCH21

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Ownership
G. Orfanou & Co
Editor-Manager
Panagiotis Orfanos
Editor staff
Anna Makrigiorgou
Fotis Karampetsos
DTP
Yiorgos Vergouliades
Cover design
Aris Betchavas
Subscriptions
Christina Andreakou


ADVERTISED COMPANIES




COMPANY PAGE


SOULIS 2ND COVER
ΤΕΧ 1
ΜSC 3 In this issue
MENELAOS 7
ΑRRIGONI 11
KIKU 15 Delayed start for the asparagus harvest
HELLAGRO 18
Kiwi sales go on without problems



VOG and VIP presented a new trio of apple varieties



4 PRODUCTS




































































ÒOranges




WHAT WILL THE CONSEQUENCES BE FROM THE BAD WEATHER?




Citrus growers are really concerned about what the consequences of the bad weather will be, as no
one knows what it will bring and what the effects of the low temperatures will be, not only on the
unharvested fruits, but also on the plants.




MARCH 2021

arrive at their destination, they have many
quality problems, as a result of which the
value of the goods decreases and thus the
traders have unexpected losses.
The high temperatures of the past
months, the frosts, but also various other Regarding exports now,
weather conditions are the reasons for the we notice the total volume
quality degradation of the production and
this development has led the traders to a of our exports of oranges
constant search for quality products, which is slightly lower than
when they find they pay 25- 27 cents/ki-
lo, much higher than the prevailing prices the corresponding period last
on medium quality oranges, for which the year by 1.84%
price is 20-22 cents/kilo. Of course, we al-
ways talk about the Merlin variety, as the
Navalina variety has essentially closed its
export path!
Regarding the absorption of the Merlin,
more than 60% of the expected quantity
has been harvested in Argos so far and as
things show until mid-March, in one way or
another, this variety will complete its com-
mercial course.
But apart from Merlin, at this time the
harvest has started in the area of Etoloa-
karnania and in the Lane Late variety, with
producer prices being set at 27-30 cents The next period
per car. Little can be said about how things will
turn out in the near future, as, as we said
Exports above, we do not know how this wave of
Regarding exports now, we notice the bad weather will affect the productive ar-
total volume of our exports of orang- eas of citrus.
es is slightly lower than the correspond- However, for the Merlin variety, we do not
ing period last year by 1.84%. Of course, see that after the bad weather we will have
the element that stands out and is worth tremendous changes from the current sit-
commenting on is not so much the small uation, as one way or another this variety
reduction in the total volume of exports, will complete its export cycle, until mid-
but the significant increase in the absorp- March, and any quantities will remain in-
tion of Germany, which has so far doubled tact from « Medea «will be absorbed by the
the quantities. In fact, the margins of ab- domestic market and in fact at high prices!
sorption increasing in Germany are still So, everyone is interested in Lane late
very large and perhaps traders should pay and Valencia varieties and this is where the
more attention to this country! difficulties begin, as these varieties, and es-
Regarding the mandarins, we see that pecially Lane Late, are very vulnerable to
We are going through the 6th week and the total volume of exports in this prod- low temperatures.
the whole sector of citrus fruits, and not uct has increased by 11.24%, with Roma- So how do things turn out in these vari-
only, is waiting to see how things will de- nia and Bulgaria ranking first and sec- eties? How low will the temperature drop?
velop from the arrival of the severe bad ond respectively, followed by Poland and Will it last or will it be for a few hours? Will
weather, which will manifest in the south- Ukraine. The latter, in fact, increased its there be damage or will it be minimal?
ern regions of the country from the begin- absorption this year by 24.95% compared We will be able to give the answers to
ning of the 7th week. It makes no sense to to last year! It should be noted here that these questions at the end of next week,
repeat the meteorologists’ estimates, be- in a few years the volume produced in when the wave of bad weather has passed,
cause when we read these lines, we will mandarins will increase significantly due through the pages of our electronic pub-
now experience the effects of this wave of to the creation of new estates, and so lications. Specifically, an extensive re-
bad weather. So, let us be content with ob- our exports will continue their upward port will be published on the effects of the
servations and see where we stand today. trend. Of course, in order to have an even bad weather of Medea on the fresh pro-
The absorption of oranges has improved better development, we must see what duction through FRESH LETTER in Febru-
since the last days of January, but the trad- we will do with the late varieties of man- ary, which all our subscribers will receive in
ers complain because when the products darins! their email.



MARCH 2021

6 INTERVIEW









“THE PRICES OF CITRUS ARE DOWN 20-30%


IN COMPARISON WITH LAST YEAR”





The low quality of both oranges and tangerines affected the commer-
cial distribution of citrus from the S / M chains in Bulgaria this year,
resulting in a drop in prices, compared to the corresponding period
last year, according to Mr. Todor Proychev, Responsible Buyer of
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables of the Maxima S / M chain.





TODOR PROYCHEV

BUYER OF FRESH FRUITS
AND VEGETABLES
OF THE BULGARIAN CHAIN S / M
MAXIMA





Mr. Proychev, how did this year’s sales
of your citrus fruits develop through
the stores of the S / M Maxima chain?
Unfortunately, this year’s commercial
season did not live up to our original ex-
pectations. It was a difficult year, but we Closing, will you give us some infor-
managed to meet market demand. mation regarding the quantities of cit-
rus that were traded by your chain this
What were the difficulties you faced? year?
Our main disadvantage this year was This season, our quantities amount-
the low quality of both oranges and tan- ed to 700 tons of oranges and 650 tons Our main disadvantage
gerines. And this is clearly due to the unfa- of mandarins from the period November this year was the low
vorable weather conditions that occurred 15 to February 15. I should note here that
in the main Greek production centers in the since the beginning of February our chain quality of both oranges
last two weeks of December. This fact led does not distribute Greek quantities of and tangerines.
the quality of all citrus fruits to low levels, mandarins.
as a result of which the sales on the shelf And this is clearly due to
were also affected. the unfavorable weather
Did the above development also affect conditions that occurred
the prices of all citrus fruits? in the main Greek production
The fall in prices was a consequence of
the low quality of the products. In partic- centers in the last
ular, prices as a whole decreased by 20- MAXIMA two weeks of December
30%, compared to the corresponding peri- Stores: 66
od last year 2020. Web: www.maximabulgaria.bg



MARCH 2021



8 PRODUCTS








ÒAsparagus




PRODUCTION VOLUME AT THE SAME LEVELS – DELAYED HARVEST!




In a few weeks, the new season for asparagus will begin and, as reported by people that know
quite well the commercial course of this product, we will not have important changes this year
compared to last year, in terms of production volume.


been created in recent years, to expect an
increase in production and those created
can in no way replace those estates that
have completed their production cycle.

The commercial course
Last year did not go well for asparagus,
as covid-19 closed the HORECA sector in
Germany, which absorbed the thin aspara-
gus and, thus, this quantity did not find its
road to the markets and was destroyed,
causing losses to the producers.
Things have not improved yet and the
HORECA sector is still not working. The
German government announced, however,
that the lock down will last until March 7,
while the continuation will be examined. As
it seems, March is a lost month and, now,
everyone’s hopes are turned to April, lest
We are in the second fortnight of Feb- As it seems, March is a lost in this month the partial normalcy in Ger-
ruary and as production technicians re- many will return, and the season will be
port, the beginning of the asparagus har- month and, now, everyone’s saved, even at the end.
vest will go back a few days. Specifically, it hopes are turned to April, T.O.
is estimated that the first white asparagus
will be harvested in the second ten days of lest in this month the partial
March. As for the quality of the asparagus, normalcy in Germany Greek asparagus exports
the low temperatures may help the plants development, 2009-2019
to give good quality shoots and this devel- will return, and the season Year Kilos Value
opment will ultimately positively affect the will be saved, even at the end
commercial course of the product. 2009 11.025.899 23.544.528
2010 11.130.065 26.563.128
The volume of production 2011 7.752.628 16.411.281
Regarding the volume of production, we 2012 14.629.733 21.459.675
do not expect to have important chang- 2013 5.722.665 19.055.645
es compared to previous years, although
the trend is downward. In other words, 2014 6.873.898 19.861.099
we see that year by year the export vol- 2015 4.968.215 17.030.189
ume decreases and if we take into account 2016 5.796.181 21.091.334
that very little asparagus is consumed in 2017 5.132.805 15.748.088
the domestic market, then this is the pic- 2018 5.343.263 18.600.930
ture of the evolution of the production as 2019 4.174.060 12.529.678
well. New estates with asparagus have not



MARCH 2021

“THE START OF THE ASPARAGUS


HARVEST MAY BE DELAYED”



The danger of losing the early start of the Greek asparagus har-
vest against the German one, has been created by the continuous
rains in the cultivation zones of the Nestos area. As Mr. Tassos
Karkatzalos, agronomist at AS Nestou notes in Froutonea, there
was a delay in covering the asparagus, while a possible delay in
the harvest will affect even the final commercialized quantity.


new suspension of the specific indus-
try?
Last year, the only buyers were super-
TASSOS KARKATZALOS market chains, which, as always, bought
only thick asparagus, which accounts for
AGRONOMIST IN AC NESTOS If no further complications about 60% of our annual production. The
occur, the production of white medium and thin ones, which together
Mr. Karkatzalos, how is the cultivation asparagus of AC Nestos can make up the remaining 40%, were almost
completely lost, as they were the ones
of asparagus evolving in the Nestos reach 4,000-5,000 tons this sold in restaurants. Therefore, obvious-
area? ly, we do not like at all to see the suspen-
We are in the second week of February year, while this year will be sion of the HORECA industry being repeat-
and the cultivation is not at goof phase, the first marketing season ed again this year.
due to the non-realization of covering
the asparagus, since the continuous rains of the green asparagus of In general, what is the landscape of
from December, until the moment we are the Cooperative that are the competition in the markets where
talking, impeded us from the proper final- Greek asparagus is exported?
ization of this work. Only a small part of cultivated in 100 hectares The Greek production does not com-
the crops we have managed to cover and pete with the imported production from
ee hope, if we do not encounter other prob- Latin America, but with the local produc-
lems, to finish this work by February 20 at tion of the countries to which it is export-
the latest. ed, i.e. with the Italian, French and, mainly,
Is the volume of production also affected the German asparagus.
How is the production affected by by the data you describe to us? Although the Italian production, for ex-
these conditions you describe? The volume of production is affected, not ample, is more expensive than the Greek
It is not certain yet, but the start date because of a negative effect on plant pro- one, the Italians prefer it is local and softer,
of the harvest will probably be affected. ductivity, but because of the entry of Ger- as less time has passed since the harvest.
That means be postponed for later date man production into the market, which oc- We have tried, but we have not been able
and thus to lose the earlyness that distin- cupies its own positions and forces us even to find ways to keep the tenderness of our
guishes us in relation to the competitive, stop harvesting. So, if we delay to start the asparagus high, during their journey.
German production. It is not certain yet, but harvest, its duration will probably shorten.
even the weather of the next few days may If no further complications occur, the Does AC Nestos deal with green as-
affect the issue we are discussing. Normal- production of white asparagus of AC Nes- paragus?
ly, we should have covered the asparagus tos can reach 4,000-5,000 tons this year. Yes, we have started cultivating 100
by December and start harvesting in early hectares of green asparagus and this year
March. It has happened again, however, to How was the last commercial season will be their first year of marketing. We are
cover the asparagus in late February and, affected by the suspension of the oper- particularly interested in the domestic and
because the weather was hot, to start the ation of the HORECA industry and how British markets, but we are also targeting
harvest at the desired time. do you face the new season given the the German and Polish markets.


MARCH 2021

10 INTERVIEW










“THE IMPORTS OF EGYPTIAN POTATOES


ARE LOWER IN THE GREEK MARKET”



Mrs Marianna Petala, Owner of Petalas Fruits, one of the biggest
and more reliable companies in the Greek Market, talks about in
the following interview about the imports of Egyptian potoatoes in
the Greek market and the new fresh quantities of Spring potatoes.













MARIANNA PETALA

OWNER OF PETALAS FRUITS



Mrs. Petala, can you talk about the im-
ports of Egyptian potatoes in the Greek
market this season?
The imports of potatoes from Egypt are
lower this season, in comparison with last
year. This is why Greek stocks of potatoes
are still high this season and they cover
the overall demand in the domestic mar-
ket. Moreover, the domestic quantities are
good in quality and they are sold in good
prices for the consumers. I estimate that Do you export the Egyptian quantities
the imports of Egyptian potatoes will be abroad or do you just trade them in the
lower 10-20% the current season, in com- Greek market?
parison with last season, unless their pric- 40% of our Egyptian quantities is ex-
es get lower that the ones of Greek po- I estimate that the imports ported abroad and our main goal is to
tatoes. This is the only way Egyptian make this percentage even higher (60% of
potatoes can conquer the domestic mar- of Egyptian potatoes will be our total volumes), so that we help the do-
ket the following months. mestic economy.
lower 10-20% the current
Have you invested in stable partner- season, in comparison with What are your plans the next period?
ships all these years? Do you have any last season, unless their As long as there will be Greek quantities,
new partners this season? we will trade them and try to fill any gaps
Our partners are reliable and trust- prices get lower that the ones with Egyptian quantities. In the beginning
worthy all these years and we have man- of Greek potatoes. of April, we will go on with the new quan-
aged to import high quality potatoes from tities of the new season, unless they are
Egypt. We have chosen to invest in the damaged by the recent bad weather condi-
same partnerships and we do not choose tions. Our main goal is to trade Greek fresh
new partners easily. quantities of the new season.


MARCH 2021

ADVANCED
AGROTEXTILES

12 INTERVIEW








VOG - VIP
THEY PRESENTED A TRIO OF NEW APPLE VARIETIES



Three new varieties, Giga®, Cosmic Crisp® and RedPop® have now found their way into the South
Tyrolean apple growing community, which means they will soon be available everywhere. Apple
Consortiums VOG and VIP presented the three new varieties at the International Apple Summit
2021 held digitally on 27 January 2021 in Bolzano with the title “Tasty Trend³”.



































“The diversity and innovation of variet- Pop®) are scab resistant, making it pos- cultivated land in Val Venosta, is a good
ies is in the DNA of VOG; the key selection sible to significantly reduce the amount of example of this.” South Tyrol will there-
criteria of course include the taste of the plant protection measures. All three vari- fore continue to position itself as a reliable
apples, but also the characteristics of the eties are also intended for organic farming. supplier of high-quality apples with mod-
varieties in cultivation and storage ability, VOG director Walter Pardatscher ex- ern and market-oriented properties.
as well as in terms of market trends and plained the consortium’s varietal strat-
consumer needs,” said VOG chair Georg egy, which would see no variety mak- Fruit growers, technicians,
Kössler at the presentation of the three ing up more than 25% of total production: breeders, researchers,
new varieties. Thomas Oberhofer, VIP chair, “We have to position ourselves even more marketing experts and taste
underlined the advantages of South Ty- broadly and offer a diverse range that can professionals praise the new
rol in cultivating a wide range of variet- meet all future consumer needs.” The next varieties
ies: “The many different altitudes and the few years will therefore see the South Ty- As it is important to be able to supply cus-
blend of Alpine and Mediterranean climate rolean farming community take up more tomers with a wide range of apples through-
provide excellent conditions for many dif- new apples. Martin Pinzger, director of out the year, storage ability takes on a par-
ferent varieties. This means that quality VIP, reiterated the strategy of cultivating ticularly key role – one in which these new
products truly thrive here, both in integrat- Golden Delicious in future as Val Venos- varieties excel. That is why they will come to
ed and organic farming.” The new varieties ta’s most important variety, yet continuing market in the second half of the season.
are also a good fit for the South Tyrolean to add further red and bi-coloured apples Consumer needs and market demands
fruit growing community’s drive towards to the range. “We will still focus heavily on are indeed constantly changing. For Hel-
increasing sustainability: two of the new natural and sustainable cultivation. Organ- wig Schwartau, an expert from AMI (Agri-
varieties (Ipador/Giga® and CIVM49/Red- ic farming, which already makes up 20% of cultural Market Information Company) in


MARCH 2021

Hamburg, the quality and taste of apples
are playing an ever more important role
for consumers. Each variety needs a clear THE NEW VARIETIES
brand and marketing strategy in order to
be a market success. And one has been de-
veloped for each of the three varieties. Ipador – Giga®
Hannes Tauber and Benjamin Laimer, Better3Fruit N.V., a breeding institute based in Rillaar, Belgium, is
marketing experts at VOG and VIP, intro- the owner of the variety and brand. The International Pome
duced the newly developed brand names Fruit Alliance Ltd. (IPA) owns the global master licence for
Giga® and RedPop® and explained the allocating cultivation rights. VOG is the first to introduce
brand communication for Cosmic Crisp®, Giga® apples in Europe.
which has been specifically adapted for This variety is resistant to scab, which has the advantage
the European market. The head pomolo- of reducing the need for plant protection products.
gist at Laimburg Research Centre, Wal- The fruit is large and has an extremely good storage
ter Guerra, spoke about the characteristics ability. Its taste is very intense with a very balanced sweet /
of the apples in terms of cultivation, stor- tangy taste. The taste is full-bodied with flavour notes ranging
age ability and taste. Apple growers Sonja from banana to honey to cinnamon and dried fruits. The flesh is particularly
Matzneller, Michl Bradlwarter and Karl Di- firm. Giga® is stored for several months to reach perfect ripeness.The Giga®
etl reported on their initial introduction to brand name reflects the characteristics of the apple and it is presented with a
the different varieties and about their first clear, memorable logo and “mighty good” slogan positioning.
experiences of growing them. The breeders
responsible for creating the varieties com- WA38 – Cosmic Crisp®
mented on this and their motives for doing The WSU – Washington State University in Wenatchee, USA –
so: Nicolas Stevens, from Belgian breed- owns this variety and brand. Bruce Barritt is the breeder.
ing institute Better3Fruit (Ipador – Giga®), Proprietary Variety Management (PVM), from Yakima, USA,
Bruce Barritt from Washington State Uni- owns the master licence for allocating global cultivation
versity (WA38 - Cosmic Crisp®) and Marco rights. Both associations have already started commercial
Bertolazzi from the Consorzio Italiano Vi- cultivation and will have the first commercial quantities
vaisti in Ferrara (CIVM49 - RedPop®). available after the 2021 harvest. Initial tests are being carried
Since taste is ultimately critical, this as- out with selected customers during this current season.
pect was given special prominence at the This variety has a good storage ability, the fruit remains very
International Apple Summit 2021: present- crisp and juicy whilst keeping its full flavour, which ranges from
er Anna Zangerle invited apple expert Vera exotic fruit to kiwifruit and gooseberry to orange peel.The fruit has a special
Platzgummer from the Variety Innovation texture, its cells are about twice as large as in other apples.
Consortium South Tyrol on stage, along Cosmic Crisp® has already been introduced in the US and is now entering
with sommelier Claudia Rier and star chef European market thanks to the partnership with South Tyrol’s apple sector.
Martin Obermarzoner. These three tasted The brand logo has been directly transferred from the US branding without
the apples and shared their impressions change, as has the colour scheme. The imagery, however, has been adapted
and taste sensations, visualizing them us- to European requirements and depicts photos of moments of enjoy. The brand
ing an aroma wheel. slogan is: “Heavenly taste. With every bite.”

From apple variety to brand CIVM49 – RedPop®
Ipador, WA38, CIVM49: The names of ap- Consorzio Italiano Vivaisti (CIV) in Ferrara, Italy, owns this
ple varieties are not always easy on the variety and brand. The Consortium of South Tyrolean Fruit
ear, but they do serve to categorize them Growers Cooperatives (VOG) and the Association of Val
in a first phase at breeding institutes. As Venosta Producers of Fruit and Vegetables (VIP) own the
soon as an apple variety enters the phase master licence for allocating European cultivation rights.
of commercial production, the search is VOG is the first to introduce the apple.
generally on for a memorable and attrac- This variety is resistant to scab and has a very good
tive name for consumers. Apples that storage ability; the fruit grows up to a manageable size and
meet the quality demands of the brand it is an intense red.
are then marketed under the brand name. The flesh is firm, has a very sweet taste and is both juicy and
This means that consumers will find the crisp. The flavours range from plum to elderflower to dried fruit and honey
brand quality of the Ipador variety on the sweetness.
shelves as Giga®, WA38 as Cosmic Crisp®, The RedPop® brand name is based on the properties of the apple – handy,
and CIVM49 as RedPop®. All three variet- striking in flavour and appearance, and modern. The brand slogan is: “Little
ies have a separate, clear brand identity big sweet.”
and characteristic market positioning. All
three varieties are also grown organically.



MARCH 2021

14 INTERVIEW









“KIWI SALES GO ON WITHOUT PROBLEMS”




According to the Director of Kavala Coop, Mr. Klearchos Sa-
rantidis, the sales of kiwis from Kavala are proceeding with a
steady “pace”. However, commenting on the general develop-
ment of the product in Greece, Mr. Sarantidis estimates that it is
done in a way that will create problems in the future business.



250,000 tons, 100,000 will come from Ka-
vala. The expansion of the crop, however,
is done irregularly and this will have con-
sequences on the commercial utilization of
CLEARCHOS SARANTIDIS the product.

DIRECTOR OF KAVALA COOP Are you referring to the lack of refrig-
eration facilities or the oversupply?
To both things. Regarding the availabil-
Mr. Sarantidis, how are the sales of ki- ity of refrigeration facilities, let me make
wis from the area of Kavala evolving in myself clear: Our cooperative has the abili-
February? ty to store the products of its own produc-
Everything is going well and we do not ers. Despite that, if a large part of the rest
face any problems. Our main shipment of kiwi production in the coming years cannot
kiwis, of the green Hayward variety, go to be able to be stored and, therefore, has to
Spain, while our sales are progressing also be sold under pressure, there will occur
at a good pace in France, other EU coun- market conditions that will negatively af-
tries, as well as in the United States and fect the distribution also of our own prod-
Canada. ucts.
If a large part of the kiwi
Have any quality problems occurred? Finally, how is the new growing sea-
No, the preservation of the fruits in the production in the coming son evolving?

cold chambers is going well and no partic- years cannot be able to be Due to the generally warm weather
ular issue has arisen this year. conditions that prevailed this winter, the
stored and, therefore, plants are in advanced growth. It remains
So what are the current price levels? has to be sold under to be examined, then, how they will re-
Obviously, prices vary depending on the spond to the February cold wave.
shape, size and type of packaging. The pressure, there will occur
small-fruited kiwis, which, however, are al- market conditions that will
most exhausted, were priced at 0.70 euros
per kilo. For the rest of the kiwis, the pric- negatively affect the total The yellow kiwis
es are higher. For example, for kiwis weigh- sales of kiwis
ing more than 100 grams, their price is set Sales of yellow Greek kiwis from
at 1.30 euros per kilo. the Arta area (Soreli variety) also
proceed at a good pace. According
How is the cultivation of kiwis evolving to traffickers from the region,
in the area of Kavala? prices ranged at 2 euros per kilo
There is a lot of crop growth, as many for three kilo packages, with the
growers have turned to this product. In main markets being Germany, the
the next three to five years, in fact, when USA and the Netherlands.
production in Greece will amount to about



MARCH 2021



16 INTERVIEW







“ARRIGONI’S NETS MEAN ULTIMATE CROP


PROTECTION ALONG WITH RESPECT TO THE


ENVIROMENT”





Mr. Paolo Arrigoni, CEO of Arrigoni´s S.p.A., speaks at Frou-
tonea about the advantages of the company´s nets. As he high-
lights, the crop protection, the contribution to the safe food
production, the environment protection and the endurance of
the nets constitute the high priorities of the company.

PAOLO ARRIGONI

C.E.O. OF ARRIGONI S.P.A.





Mr. Arrigoni, please make us a breaf
description of your company profile
and of its experience in the net con-
struction sector.
Arrigoni group has been in the technical
textile sector since 1936. In 1959 it start-
ed the manufacturing of polyethylene nets
and, today, we are European leaders in
technical textile applications for agricul-
ture and beyond. First, in the “agrotextiles”
range, we manufacture highly innova-
tive fabrics for agriculture. They contrib- ment and use not harmful methods of Favorable environment and microcli-
ute to better microclimate management agriculture. Arrigoni shares this belief mate then make plants healthier and
and healthier and safer food production. and develops its activities in the frame stronger, therefore less in need of chemi-
Furthermore, with our “techtextiles” solu- the “green healthcare philosophy”. cal treatments. As they do not have to de-
tions, we serve various other sectors, from What does that mean for the quality fend themselves against climatic adversi-
Industry (e.g., anti-dust barriers, landfill and the characteristics of its nets? ty, they can invest their energies in fruiting.
covers, etc.), to the building sector (scaf- Our agrotextiles sustainability is among Absence or low phytopharmaceutical con-
folding nets, fencing, safety nets, etc.), our priorities: there is in fact a kind of al- tent means healthier and safer food, as
and the outdoor (elegant fabrics for shad- liance between agrotextiles and nature, well as better health for humans and the
ing coverings, sight-screening nets, urban able to promote greater harmony in ag- planet. Arrigoni agrotextiles are made from
décor, etc.). Thanks to many professional riculture. For crops, moreover, harmony high density polyethylene, whose produc-
distributors and qualified retailers, we are means growing in a favourable environ- tion is optimized to ensure a long working
present with our solutions in 72 countries ment. This can be created through innova- life in presence of the most severe weather
around the world. tive agrotextile screens that let plants to conditions. Although it is a product made
“dialogue” and relate to the territory, thus of plastic material, its characteristics and
The modern agriculture is strongly absorbing the strength of nature – air, wa- the advanced production system assure
connected to low environmental im- ter, sun – but enjoying at the same time that its application in agriculture cancel
pact. That means that the growers protection from external climatic events the carbon footprint related to its manu-
have respect to the natural environ- and insect attacks. facture. Contrary to what might be expect-



MARCH 2021

ed, the use of our agrotextiles brings a real
benefit to the environment.

What does your company in order to
ensure the best possible quality and
durability of its nets? Which Italian
agricultural companies opt for your
products?
First, Research: before introducing any
agrotexile on the market, our internal lab-
oratory performs a series of very strict
tests; our solutions ultimately are car-
ried through in-field tests, too. Nothing is
left to chance. As already mentioned, the
material of which Arrigoni agrotexiles are
composed, moreover, is high-density poly-
ethylene, carefully combined with addi-
tives that improve the durability and phys-
ical characteristics of the yarn.
As for the companies that have decided
to rely on our products, I like to point out
that they are many and different in size,
but all of them share a common denom- Are there any nets that offer special
inator: they seek maximum performance protection from pest invasions?
from their agrotextiles, to offer quality pro- BIORETE®, for example, it is a complete
posals. In other words, we have in our cus- range of screens effective in preventing
tomer portfolio several companies, in Italy harmful insects from reaching crops and
and abroad, large and small, that invest in causing damage in plant growing. The in-
organic, as well as realities that may have Arrigoni´s innovative sect protection system consequently re-
taken the path of conventional agriculture, agrotextile screens let plants duces the need for pesticides and pro-
but still see in our solutions a valid sup- vide maximum protection against even
port for quality productions and for health- to «dialogue» and relate to smallest insects, from Drosophila Suzukii
ier fruits and vegetables. Finally, many of the territory, thus absorbing to aphids and thrips (Thripidae). Further-
our Italian customers represent the best more, the innovative line BIORETE AIR
“made in Italy” in the world, with their PDO the strength of nature – air, PLUS – woven with our ARLENE HT® low
or PGI certified agri-food products. water, sun – but enjoying at thickness and high tenacity monofilament
Could you please present to our read- the same time protection – ensures high resistance and greater ven-
tilation.
ers the main categories of the nets from external climatic events
that Arrigoni proposes to the growers Arrigoni’s net series like Fructus, Iride
in order to secure their crops from and insect attacks and Protecta offer multiple advantag-
heavy hail and rainstorms? es to the growers and are also avail-
Our aim is first and foremost to respond able in different editions that can be
with our proposals to all those needs of combined. How can a grower opt for
agricultural professionals that can be the most suitable choice for his crop
solved by quality protection. Among our needs? Finally, does your company
“Agrotextiles”, we offer anti-insect screens provide after-sales consultancy to its
with high permeability – BIORETE® range clients?
–, thermo-reflective protections – PRIS- Contact We assist our customers both before
MA® and ROBUXTA® –, rain control sys- and after sale because each of them imme-
tems – PROTECTA® – and innovative solu- diately becomes our partner. A warehouse
tions for anti-hail, windbreak, shading and Arrigoni SpA of over 10,000 square meters with finished
anti-frost protections. In addition, we also Export Department product is always available and, of course,
offer professional proposals for gardening. [email protected] our commercial and after-sales network –
Our “mission”, moreover, can be summed globally widespread – is available for ev-
up with the expression: “Advanced Agro- ery need.
textiles for safe food and climate control”.


MARCH 2021