Tropical Italian Fruits

Climate change and the damages caused by the Xylella are currently reshaping the traditional cultures of South Italy towards tropical fruit plantations. Asymmetrica is working to design a new partnership and a new investment vehicle which will offer the opportunity to invest in sustainable European tropical fruit.

In recent years Italian farmers have started experimenting with the cultivation of tropical fruit in various regions of southern Italy, from Puglia to Sicily and Calabria. Climate change has made these crops possible. In addition, after the devastation caused by Xylella plant bacteria, several agricultural reconversion projects are introducing new crops more suited to the needs and demands of the world fruit and vegetable market, such as avocados, pomegranates and mangoes.

According to the first Coldiretti study "I tropicali italiani" in 2019, 500 hectares were cultivated with tropicals, an area that has increased 60 times in five years, with a prevalence of avocados and mangoes in Sicily.

Counting on European tropical fruit production means being able to buy cheaper, fresher, more sustainable fruit, as transport emissions are reduced. It also means higher food security and employment benefits for Italian regions that historically suffered from high unemployment. 

However, the risk is also just around the corner. With 10,000 hectares potentially earmarked for the production of exotic fruits and an ever-increasing market demand, intensive cultivation with extensive use of harmful chemicals could easily develop. 

With adaptation and future vision, Asymmetrica is designing partnerships and a new investment vehicle. Building on our experience with sustainable avocado production in Mexico, we aim to help farmers develop sustainable practices,and allow investors to invest in sustainable tropical fruit from Europe.