The novelty is the landing in large- scale distribution . Le Agavi , a company from Arborea (Oristano), brings one of its flagship products, the strawberry , to the Crai Sardegna circuit this year . “To this channel – says Stefano Orrù , who manages the farm together with his family – we dedicate 50% of our production. The other half is destined for direct sales and processing companies. A small company like ours must know how to diversify to stay on the market ”.
The total arable land area is about 8 hectares. Strawberries – the “Arrubiedda” – occupy one and a half with 30 thousand plants . “The cultivation – explains Orrù – takes place in the open field. We go into production from March and until the first week of June. Satisfaction is coming from large- scale distribution , compared to large markets we feel less competition with foreign countries, starting with Spain. The product is adequately enhanced “.
The variety chosen is the Naiad . “We have been cultivating it for more than ten years, the patent is certainly not the most recent, but we are satisfied with the choice”. The strong point is to be found “in the flavor, in the sugar content, but also in the resistance of this variety which retains its intense color and consistency for a longer period”.
Each plant produces around 600 grams of strawberries on average . “The weather – observes Orrù – gave problems especially in the Easter period with the rain due to the copious rain. But, summing up, the year is to be considered positive “.
Another Le Agavi product fresh off the shelf in large-scale distribution is the purple potato , ” Fioba “. “The experimentation started a few years ago. These potatoes are rich in anthocyanins and marry perfectly with the gourmet restaurant. This year, however, Horeca has come to terms with closures and restrictions and we have decided to focus on large-scale distribution “.
“We have only been in stores for a few weeks and it is too early to take stock – concludes Orrù – but I hope that Sardinian consumers will appreciate it. The annual production is about 100 quintals “.
