The Spiny Artichoke of Sardinia is looking for out a distinct segment on international markets

The Consortium for the Protection of the Sardinian Spiny Artichoke with Designation of Origin was originally launched by 12 companies from three producing areas (the valley of Coghinas, Oristano and Serramanna). Over the years more partners have joined and today the consortium counts 27 growers and 9 packers.

Antonio Casu, president of the consortium, at Fruit Logistica 2022

“Since the establishment of the consortium, sales of the Sardinian spiny artichoke have increased significantly,” said Antonio Casu, president of the association. “We have grown from 600,000 artichokes in 2014/15 to about 3 million in 2021/22.”

“Our artichoke is mainly grown in the provinces of Sassari, Oristano and Cagliari. The cultivation environment is ideal along the coastal areas and in the central plains of Sardinia. The artichoke is grown from November to May and is perfectly recognizable for its firm shape, intense aroma, color and balanced flavor. The Sardinian artichoke can be consumed both raw and cooked.”

“According to the guidelines of the Italian Ministry of Agriculture, the Consortium ensures the protection of the artichoke with designation of origin against misuse, unfair competition, falsification and improper use of the designation in each of the stages of the chain: cultivation, processing and marketing.”

“As a consortium, we are aware that information and promotion initiatives linked to quality strengthen consumer confidence in sustainable cultivation,” added Casu. “On our island, this is particularly needed to create new sales markets and to highlight regional quality products. Cultivation also holds cultural, ecological and landscape value. We need to work together to counteract the fragmentation of cultivation and marketing and to be able to invest more in promotion and marketing.”

Currently, the main markets for the Sardinian spiny artichoke are the northern Italian regions of Lombardy, Piedmont and Liguria. In recent years, the Consortium has succeeded in expanding the market to other Italian regions, and lately efforts have been made to promote the marketing abroad as well.

According to the Consortium, they seem to be moving in the right direction, given that the Sardinian spiny artichoke is a high-quality product with great potential.

For more information:
Consorzio di Tutela del Carciofo
Spinoso di Sardegna D.O.P.
Viale Sardegna n° 71,
07030 Santa Maria Coghinas (SS) – Italy
+39 3405606104
+39 3346967682
carcspindisardegna@tiscali.it
www.carciofosardodop.it