Markets demand tomatoes suitable for the supply chain, and therefore with a long shelf-life (LSL) so they can last longer at the points of sale, thereby reducing waste and improving the buying experience. While Germany (around 30% of the total in 2024) remains the leading market for Sicilian table tomatoes, other destinations such as Great Britain and Scandinavia are also important outlets. The competition with other producing countries such as Spain and Turkey (+17% of exports to Germany in 2022) is however becoming increasingly fierce. New players are also looming on the horizon, such as Albania, in addition to the historic competition from North Africa.
Duresca F1
A good production quality, supported by an LSL along the supply chain, minimises losses due to transport and storage, optimising logistics and allowing exports over long distances . This allows distributors to better manage stocks, and consumers to buy a product that retains freshness, flavour and quality for longer, thereby reducing waste and increasing trader satisfaction.
The Duresca F1 cherry variety meets all these conditions. Its distinctive traits make it particularly interesting for growers as well as for distributors. Indeed, this variety offers a mix of rusticity, productivity and superior organoleptic qualities, positioning itself as an excellent choice for national and international markets.
Field consultancy
Transplanting times and resistance
Duresca F1 demonstrates adaptability and resistance in the fields thanks to a rustic plant that tolerates low temperatures well. Management in the greenhouse is quite simple and does not require any special technical knowledge, other than that commonly found on any farm. This characteristic makes it perform well for short cycles, and especially for the long winter cycle, ensuring a uniform size from the lower to the later stages. Fruits have an average size of about 25 g which is constant throughout all the stages, thereby guaranteeing uniformity and quality. The transplanting period varies: in Sicily, it goes from from late August to the early November.
Compared to other varieties, Duresca F1 boasts high productivity and an excellent specific weight, maximising yields for growers. Moreover, it has good resistance to several common diseases such as Vd/Fol: 0.1, For/Mj/ToMV/TYLCV/Ff, therefore reducing the need for phytosanitary interventions. Resistance to micro-cracking is also excellent.
Extended Shelf Life, bright colour and deep flavour
One of the main advantages of Duresca F1 is its long shelf life, which combines with excellent organoleptic characteristics. Berries stand out due to their bright colour and deep flavour, which that make them particularly popular with consumers. In addition, the rachis is fleshy and dark green in colour.
A moment of the crowded open day in Santa Croce Camerina
The recent open day on Duresca F1 held at Azienda Agricola F.lli Senia (S.C. Camerina, RG) focused on these and other elements, and featured direct consultations with Harmoniz experts. As many as 250 visitors had the opportunity to closely observe the continuity and homogeneity of fruits, from the first to the last stage.
Team Harmoniz Italia thanked all the producers, technicians and professionals who took part. The positive and promising feedback received confirmed the value of Duresca F1, reflecting its high production and quality potential. The next greenhouse event will be on 13 March 2025, in the Gela area, at Az. Agr. F.lli Campo.
For further information:
Harmoniz Italy Srl
Andrea Tidona:
+39 334 135 2581
Guglielmo Roccasalvo:
+39 366 988 7564
Rosario Contrafatto:
+39 388 346 1932