Italian frozen food producer Orogel generated turnover of €120 million in the first six months of 2017, up 11% year-on-year.

According to general manager, Giancarlo Foschi, the performance was due to “a very active first quarter as a result of a cold season, which usually increases sales”.

The jams segment performed exceptionally well, with a 23% growth in the first half of the year, accounting for an average annual turnover of €13 million. The company recently started exporting jams to the US under the Marcella brand.

Orogel has also seen growth in the organic sector, which now accounts for 25% of production.

Production Concern
However, the companys managing director, Bruno Piraccini, expressed concern about production in the second half of the year due to the persistent drought that hinders the sowing of autumn-winter crops.

He said the Orogel Fresco range, which experienced a winter campaign that reached peaks of excellence for kiwis and pears, has been very variable with regard to summer market prices.

Piraccini added that there have been good results for some products, such as strawberries, while peaches and nectarines have been seeing very low sales prices and low batches due to the high heat and drought.