O.P. Vittoria Tomatoes Soc. coop. is a Sicilian agricultural cooperative and producer organization dedicated to the sustainable cultivation, packing, and export of premium fresh tomatoes and seasonal fruits. Based in Ragusa, within the renowned agricultural heartland of southeastern Sicily, the cooperative represents a network of growers committed to preserving traditional Mediterranean flavors while embracing innovative agricultural technologies.
Core Business and Product Offerings
O.P. Vittoria Tomatoes specializes in the production and commercialization of high-quality fresh tomatoes, cultivated in over 100 hectares of greenhouses across Sicily. Its product lines are categorized under three primary brands:
- Tomasì Line: Premium cherry tomatoes, characterized by high Brix levels, intense aroma, and superior sweetness. These are the flagship products exported to Northern and Central Europe.
- Classics Line: Traditional tomato varieties including round, plum, and vine-ripened types, grown using integrated pest management and sustainable practices.
- Strike Line: Seasonal midi watermelons, introduced in 2020, grown in selected open-field plots to diversify the cooperative's summer offering.
The cooperative manages the full supply chain from cultivation to packaging, ensuring product freshness, traceability, and compliance with European retail requirements.
Specialization and Unique Value Proposition
O.P. Vittoria Tomatoes stands out through:
- Protected Cultivation Systems: 100+ hectares of high-tech greenhouses reduce water usage and improve yield quality.
- Sicilian Microclimate Advantage: Sunlight-rich conditions create high-sugar content tomatoes with deep flavor profiles.
- Sustainable Practices: Use of biodegradable materials, natural pollination, and integrated pest management (IPM).
- Multi-tier Branding Strategy: Customization of packaging and varieties based on retailer and regional market preferences.
This blend of terroir, technology, and tradition enables the cooperative to serve premium segments of the European fresh produce market.
Financials and Shipment Data
While O.P. Vittoria Tomatoes does not publish financial reports, industry sources and Italian export databases provide the following estimations:
- Annual Production Volume: Over 18,000 tons of tomatoes (2022)
- Export Share: Approx. 70% of production exported across Europe
- Primary Export Destinations: Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, and the UK
- Sales Growth: 12–15% YoY increase from 2018 to 2022, driven by Tomasì Line
- Seasonal Export Peak: October to May for tomatoes; June to August for midi watermelons
The company utilizes refrigerated logistics chains to maintain post-harvest quality and extend shelf life across long-distance routes.
Target Market
The cooperative targets both retail and wholesale markets, focusing on:
- Premium supermarket chains in Western Europe
- Specialty produce importers
- Organic and IPM-focused wholesalers
- Private label buyers seeking Sicilian-origin products
Their flexible packaging options (from 250g retail trays to bulk boxes) and high-grade produce meet the evolving needs of European consumers focused on origin, quality, and sustainability.
Capabilities
- Integrated Grower Network: Dozens of certified family farms across Sicily
- Packing Facilities: Modern post-harvest centers in Ragusa with automated sorting, grading, and labeling systems
- Quality Control: On-site agronomists, digital traceability systems, and real-time monitoring
- Packaging Customization: Tray, clamshell, flowpack, and private-label options
- Cold Chain Logistics: Export-grade cooling and distribution aligned with EU retail delivery windows
Certifications and Compliance
O.P. Vittoria Tomatoes ensures compliance with international safety and sustainability standards, including:
- GLOBALG.A.P. certification for food safety and environmental impact
- GRASP (GLOBALG.A.P. Risk Assessment on Social Practice)
- Integrated Pest Management protocols
- PDO and PGI support programs for local varietals
- Packaging Sustainability aligned with EU Green Deal directives
The company regularly passes third-party audits required by European retail procurement teams.
Customer Testimonials
Although specific testimonials are not published, trade shows and retail collaborations affirm consistent satisfaction. The Tomasì line is frequently featured in high-end European supermarkets, often recognized for:
- “Exceptional sweetness and balanced acidity”
- “Reliable weekly delivery windows across multiple seasons”
- “Superior freshness and extended shelf life”
Participation in fairs like Fruit Logistica (Berlin) and Macfrut (Rimini) has helped establish brand equity among importers and distributors.
Major Achievements
- Exported over 12,000 tons of premium cherry tomatoes in 2023
- Expanded portfolio with Strike midi watermelons, diversifying seasonal revenue streams
- Recognized among top Sicilian cooperatives for greenhouse agriculture
- Partnered with over 50 growers across southern Sicily
- Contributed to EU-funded research on sustainable horticulture and water conservation
O.P. Vittoria Tomatoes Soc. coop. continues to elevate the global reputation of Sicilian produce by combining generations of farming tradition with forward-thinking agricultural innovation.
