Apulian Cooperative La Cupa Expands Production Amidst Rising Demand for Sustainable Tomatoes
Scorrano, Italy – Italian food producer La Cupa, a vegetable grower and processor based in Scorrano, is gearing up for significant expansion to meet increasing global demand for its high-quality tomato products. The company recently concluded negotiations at the anuga fair in Cologne, a crucial event for identifying trends in the agri-food sector, according to President Gianluca Manfredi.
Sustainability and Quality Drive growth
The anuga fair highlighted a shift towards sustainable supply chains and consumer preferences for quality and openness. professionals demonstrated considerable interest in La Cupa’s commitment to being a producer-focused cooperative,signaling a strong market appetite for authenticity. According to a recent report by the Statista, the global organic food market, where La Cupa is making strides, is projected to reach over $387 Billion by 2027.
Operational Overview and Product Line
La Cupa presently cultivates vegetables across 100 hectares of its own land, transforming all of its harvest into preserves, creams, and dehydrated vegetables. The company’s signature product is sun-dried long tomato,a staple in Mediterranean cuisine. Beyond sun-dried tomatoes, la Cupa offers a diverse range of products, including olive-based creams, artichoke preparations, and purees utilizing both red and yellow Apulian long tomatoes, alongside organic extra virgin olive oil.
Production Capacity Boost
Despite recent rainfall concluding the dehydrated tomato campaign, processing of red preserves, such as puree and peeled tomatoes, continues. This year, La Cupa successfully processed two thousand tons of fresh tomatoes, achieving its target. Wiht the introduction of next-generation production lines, the cooperative intends to double its current processing capacity from 100 tons of product per day. This expansion aims to meet growing demands and optimize efficiency.
| Product Category | Key Characteristics | Market Demand |
|---|---|---|
| Sun-Dried Tomatoes | Flagship product, traditional flavor | High, largely pre-booked |
| Organic Tomatoes | Driven by health & sustainability concerns | Strong, increasing rapidly |
| Tomato puree & Peeled Tomatoes | Versatile, core offering | Consistent, growing in new markets |
Expanding International reach
La Cupa’s commercial strategy focuses on consolidating its presence in the gourmet sector, currently accounting for 20% of its turnover. Switzerland, Germany, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, France, and Austria remain key markets. The ‘sono Bio’ organic line and the ‘I Cupidi’ range are experiencing substantial growth,with the latter seeing double-digit increases in major European countries. Notably, Canada and Brazil are emerging as attractive markets for the cooperative’s tomato purees and peeled tomatoes.
Did You Know? Italy is the world’s second-largest producer of tomatoes, accounting for approximately 15% of global production, according to data from the World Atlas.
Pro Tip: When selecting tomato products, look for certifications like ‘Organic’ or ‘PDO’ (Protected Designation of origin) to ensure quality and traceability.
The Growing Appeal of Mediterranean Cuisine
The increasing global interest in Mediterranean cuisine is boosting demand for Italian tomato products. Consumers are prioritizing health, flavor, and authenticity, aligning perfectly with the values of cooperatives like La Cupa. The emphasis on locally sourced,sustainably produced ingredients is a key differentiator in today’s market. Furthermore, the health benefits associated with the Mediterranean diet, rich in tomatoes, olive oil, and vegetables, are attracting a wider audience.The global market for sauces and condiments is valued at over $250 billion and is expected to continue expanding in the coming years.
What role do you believe sustainability will play in shaping the future of the food industry? And how significant is knowing the origin of your food when making purchasing decisions?
share your thoughts in the comments below!
