Patata di Bologna Dop: quality and positive market signals support the 2026/27 campaign

The Consorzio di Tutela Patata di Bologna Dop has announced that product quality and positive market signals are characterising the start of the commercial 2026/27 campaign.

The production and commercial campaign

For this campaign, total production barely exceeds 13.000 tonnes, obtained across an area of approximately 390 hectares. These figures confirm the strength of a supply chain deeply rooted in the Bologna area and committed to the certified production of Primura, the only variety provided for in the specification for Patata di Bologna Dop.

The production campaign developed in a complex climate context. The particularly high and persistent temperatures recorded during the summer required considerable attention in the agronomic management of the crops. Despite these conditions, the product retains the quality and distinctive characteristics laid down in the Specification, thanks to the work and professionalism of the farms in the supply chain.

On the commercial front, the market’s initial response is satisfactory and confirms the bond of trust with consumers. Nevertheless, the supply chain is taking a realistic view of the medium term: the increase in production, logistics, storage, preparation and packaging costs, together with climate instability and the investments needed to maintain Dop standards, makes it essential to consolidate the profitability of the companies involved.

The hope, therefore, is that the positive signals from this initial phase will continue through more stable and widespread recognition of the product’s value, capable of adequately remunerating the work in the field and the activities following the harvest.

The comment

“We are pleased with the start of the new commercial campaign, first and foremost because of the quality of the product obtained in a far from straightforward growing season,” says Davide Martelli, president of the Consorzio di Tutela Patata di Bologna Dop. “It is a result born of the daily work of our farmers, their experience and the care devoted to every stage of cultivation. The market is also providing positive signals, recognising the value of certified production that requires commitment, professionalism and compliance with precise rules. The economic sustainability of farming and packaging companies is an essential condition for ensuring continuity and prospects for the supply chain. Our objective is to continue defending and enhancing a designation that unites quality, identity and territory, strengthening the recognisability of Primura and the relationship of trust with consumers.”

Promotional activities

Alongside production and marketing, the promotional activities carried out by the Consortium help strengthen the bond with those who already know Patata di Bologna Dop, reach new audiences and communicate its origin, supply chain and gastronomic versatility.

Among the most significant events was participation in C'è +Gusto, the event organised at Palazzo Re Enzo in Bologna by La Repubblica and Il Gusto on 10 and 11 October. The initiative forms part of the programme of activities funded under the regional intervention Srg10, with the support of the Emilia-Romagna Region. Patata di Bologna Dop was the protagonist of two events in the “Teatri del Gusto”, during which chefs Niccolò Palumbo and Davide Puleio interpreted Primura through two dedicated preparations. Both events sold out in less than thirty minutes after bookings opened. Supporting this participation, a comprehensive digital and print communications plan aims to increase the designation’s visibility beyond the event dates and place Patata di Bologna Dop at the centre of the gastronomic narrative in the very city whose name it bears. This initiative strengthens the bond with its territory of origin and gives the designation nationwide visibility.

The balance sheet for the Festival della Patata di Bologna Dop, held on 24 and 25 October in Molinella, one of the areas most representative of production, was also positive. The event, organised by the Municipality of Molinella with the contribution of the Emilia-Romagna Region and in collaboration with the Consortium, devoted two days to learning about the Dop through international tastings, show cooking, educational meetings, the presence of producers and activities for children and families.

The enhancement programme will continue between the end of 2026 and the beginning of 2027 with a mix of activities aimed at trade operators and consumers, as part of the Srg10 project and the Regional Law 16/95, in both cases with the support of the Emilia-Romagna Region.

This article was translated from the original Italian version with the assistance of artificial intelligence. In case of discrepancies, please refer to the original Italian version.