Banca dati dei progetti dei PSR
Adding Value to Locust Bean Gum in Sicily
Summary
The project enabled the enterprise to evolve by targeted investment in line with market and consumers’ needs combined with improved production and quality, resulting in increased market share in a period of economic crisis.
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Background
The LBG, family company in Ragusa, is the worldwide leader in carob bean seeds and gum production. The company exports its products to more than 60 countries. In 2000 the company invested in the production of locust bean gum, which is used in the food industry. The new product was very successful and the company applied for RDP funding in 2010 to enlarge its operation in order to better meet the market requests. The company has started a fruitful collaboration with the University of Catania, which has enabled the enhancement of the products' quality.
Objective
The scope of the project was that of improving the productivity through the adoption of modern manufacturing technologies. Moreover the intention of this investment was to improve quality standards of the products, introduce environmentally sustainable production techniques and food traceability systems, enhance occupational health and safety and better capacity to address different markets' needs thus making the enterprise sustainable and viable.
Main activities
The project involved the expansion of the premises - a bigger warehouse was built to increase products storage facilities (more than 1000 tons) - together with the purchasing of new equipment such as an automated monitoring system which guarantees the traceability of each batch produced, and a special packaging system and equipment utilised for testing and quality controls.
Results & Benefits
The company increased its competitiveness at national and international level, the productivity (almost 2000 tons of gum per year), as well as the quality of the products and their added valued. The company invests part of the profits in research and development, to develop new products and be able to adapt to market demand and expectations.
Lessons learnt
The capacity of the project holder to understand and interpret market developments and consumers’ needs were key factors for the company's success and development in a period of global economic crisis. The integration of different elements such as innovation and further expansion needs in the project was important to increase the flexibility of the company to adapt to required changes, thus not only maintaining but also increasing its market share.
Project location and other information
Ragusa, south west of Sicily
Region
Sicilia
RDP Territory
Sicilia
Total project cost (€)
9 994 088
EAFRD contribution (€)
4 997 044
Private contribution (€)
4 997 044
Project website
Contact name
Salvatore Licitra
Telephone
+39 0932668559
Languages for contact
English, Italian
At a glance
Country
Italy
Final beneficiary type
Individual farmers
Budget range
> €500 000
Start date:
21/09/2010
End Date:
31/03/2011
Theme / Measure:
Competitiveness of Agriculture & Forestry
Restructuring, developing physical potential, and promoting innovation
123. Adding value to agricultural and forestry products
Keywords:
Added-value, Food safety, Quality certification, Research, Innovation
Last update
14/11/2012