Radicchio Castefranco Treviso

The Treviso Red and Castelfranco Variegated Radicchio Consortium has revealed there was a marked increase in production of its two PGI-certified varieties during 2009/10, particularly of the distinctive variegated kind typical to the Castelfranco area of Veneto, north-eastern Italy.

According to the consortium, which comprises around 90 member growers and packers, this season saw a strong performance for the Veneto radicchio sector, with the red Treviso variety continuing to lead the way in terms of production but also the Castefranco type registering a 57 per cent increase in volume.

During the course of the season just gone, members of the consortium distributed a total of just over 572 tonnes of Treviso red radicchio and 189 tonnes of Castelfranco variegated radicchio, from 318ha of planted area.

'The past season saw a major increase in Castefranco variegated,' confirmed the consortium's president Paolo Manzan. 'This is a clear sign that the will to have PGI-branded products on the table is strengthening.'

Mr Manzan conceded, however, that the severe cold last winter had caused a reduction in available volumes of the delicate red radicchio.

'Red radicchio ended up satisfying only 30 per cent of the market demand, with a consequent increase in costs which made it even more expensive and sought-after product,' he revealed.