O.P. Terre della Luce, renowned for its production and supply of raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries across Italy, concludes a remarkable 2023/24 season marked by significant financial gains. Carmela Suriano, president of the growers’ organization based in Policoro (Matera), highlights the season’s achievements and strategic adjustments.
“This season has been transformative for us,” states Suriano. “We began with a strong market response, witnessing a 30% price increase at the season’s start, maintaining momentum until sales closed in early June.” Notably, their flagship Happy Berry® brand raspberries have surged in value from 536,000 euros in 2023 to nearly 1 million euros this year, despite stable cultivation acreage.
Suriano attributes this success to several factors, including favorable weather conditions that bolstered both yield and quality standards. “Mild, frost-free weather contributed significantly to our ability to meet high market demands with exceptional produce,” she explains.
Strategic planning has also played a crucial role in O.P. Terre della Luce’s success. Suriano elaborates on their decision to shift production to the winter months, despite seasonal demand peaks in summer. “This approach mitigates market risks associated with increased competition from Eastern European and Northern Italian producers, whose cost structures often challenge profitability,” she clarifies. “Maintaining quality remains paramount amidst external pressures.”
Looking ahead, O.P. Terre della Luce is already gearing up for the upcoming season. “We are preparing to plant new seedlings shortly, adhering to sustainable cultivation practices above ground,” Suriano reveals. However, she acknowledges challenges in labor availability for harvesting, hindering potential expansion into new cultivation areas.
As O.P. Terre della Luce continues to navigate evolving market dynamics and operational challenges, their commitment to quality, strategic foresight, and sustainable growth remains unwavering.
