Eccellenze ortofrutticole e sinergie: la Sicilia in mostra al Macfrut

From the international setting of Macfrut 2026, which recently concluded in Rimini with record attendance, the program "Nature from Field to Table," hosted by Cristiano Riciputi, spotlighted Sicilian fruit and vegetables, focusing on certified quality, supply chain synergies, and a strategic vision for addressing global challenges. The program brought together representatives of the sector's main consortia and operators, highlighting how biodiversity, PGI certifications, and the ability to collaborate are crucial levers for international positioning. Salvatore Rapisarda (Euroagrumi OP) "We must be prepared to overcome these difficulties." The director of Euroagrumi took stock of the Blood Orange campaign, impacted by extreme weather events, emphasizing how climate change represents a structural challenge. The theme of aggregation was central: Sicily, a European leader in PDO, PGI, and organic products, must transform this leadership into economic value through teamwork. Sebastiano Fortunato (PGI Pachino Tomato Consortium) "Networking is essential." The president highlights a year marked by geopolitical uncertainty and rising raw material costs. The Consortium is focusing on innovation and the market, presenting new packaging for the Horeca channel at Macfrut, confirming the importance of adapting to new consumption patterns. Nino Di Cavolo (SiciliaFiera) "It's better to collaborate than to fight." The president announces the strategic agreement between trade fairs in Northern and Southern Italy, emphasizing Sicily's role as a Mediterranean agri-food hub. This project aims to strengthen the trade fair system and create international connections, leveraging the region's production potential. Saro Sallemi (Frutech) "The trend is positive and growing." The sales director highlights the development of the Sicilian trade fair, with increased interest from companies and the goal of attracting international buyers thanks to the synergy with Macfrut. Gianni Ragnolo (Consorzio Uva di Mazzarrone PGI) "Tradition and innovation must coexist." The president emphasizes a positive campaign and the strategic role of varietal innovation, particularly in meeting the growing demand for seedless grapes. The PGI is reaffirmed as a guarantee of quality and responsibility towards consumers. Elena Albertini (Consorzio Arancia Rossa di Sicilia PGI) "We must decontextualize to communicate better." The vice president discusses new promotional strategies, which are taking the Blood Orange beyond its traditional contexts, including cross-fertilization with other sectors and innovative combinations. This approach strengthens the product's identity and cultural value on the market. Duccio Caccioni (CAAB Bologna) "We need to excite consumers." The director of the Bologna fruit and vegetable market highlights the growing polarization between commodity products and high-end products. PGI certifications represent a fundamental tool for engaging sophisticated consumers, who are increasingly attentive to quality, origin, and value. One direction clearly emerges from the episode: Sicilian fruit and vegetables can strengthen their position only through aggregation, innovation, and the ability to tell their story. In a global context marked by instability and climate change, "working as a system" is no longer an option, but a necessary condition for growth.