Italy’s Fri El Green House is gearing up for significant developments, with plans to introduce two types of cucumbers and activate a geothermal plant in the coming years. The company’s CEO, Florian Gostner, envisions a future where the facility will be entirely energy-independent through the utilization of eight geothermal wells, scheduled to be operational by 2024.
Beyond the geothermal energy initiative, Fri El Green House has already covered 20 acres of land with solar panels, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable practices. The company has also implemented a rainwater collection and conservation system, aligning with environmentally conscious strategies.
The introduction of two cucumber varieties, snack cucumbers, and long cucumbers, marks a strategic move for the growing company. While snack cucumbers enjoy popularity abroad, particularly in Central European countries, the company aims to elevate their presence in Italy. Davide D’Ignoto, Sales Manager, anticipates strong demand for snack cucumbers, which will be sold in 250-gram trays. Some partnering supermarket chains are already planning to introduce this product.
The long cucumbers, weighing between 350 and 400 grams, will be marketed without packaging. Fri El Green House envisions a distribution system that ensures the cucumbers reach points of sale with optimal shelf life. This move aims to provide an eco-friendly alternative and reduce packaging waste.
Italy traditionally imports long cucumbers from Spain and the Netherlands for a considerable portion of the year. Fri El Green House’s strategic shift aims to decrease this dependency by leveraging part of its 30-hectare land in Ostellato, primarily dedicated to tomato cultivation.
Speaking of tomatoes, Gostner emphasizes the company’s commitment to reducing food waste by packaging all tomato products in trays. This packaging strategy not only ensures product quality and extended shelf life but also aligns with eco-conscious principles. The trays are designed for easy integration into regular recycling streams, minimizing environmental impact.
Fri El Green House’s multifaceted approach, encompassing renewable energy investments, cucumber variety expansion, and sustainable packaging practices, underscores the company’s dedication to environmental responsibility and innovative agricultural practices.