Cesena, 12 May 2025 – Carrot Day was a resounding success. The technical and scientific conference dedicated to the carrot supply chain was organised by Cora Seeds – the Italian seed company that has become a global leader in carrot breeding. Founded and led by Maurizio Bacchi, Cora Seeds focuses on high-performance vegetable varieties. Since acquiring the KWS carrot breeding program in 2023, carrots have become one of its major growth drivers, positioning Cora Seeds among the top 5–6 global carrot breeders.
Held in Rimini during Macfrut 2025, the event brought together more than 70 participants, including experts from Italy, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, and Northern Europe. Topics included genetics, regional development, agronomic issues, and consumer trends – all highlighting the strategic importance of carrots for horticulture’s future.
“Cora Seeds is committed to innovation and sustainable development in horticulture,” said CEO Maurizio Bacchi. “Carrot Day was an excellent opportunity for sharing knowledge and exploring the latest research.”
ISMEA DATA: A robust and growing market
Mario Schiano Lo Moriello, analyst at ISMEA, offered an in-depth look at the carrot sector in Italy and Europe. His data revealed a growing and competitive market, with balanced production and consumption and solid export potential.
Europe produces 4.7 million tonnes annually (2016–2024 average), and consumption closely matches this at 4.68 million tonnes. Germany, Poland, and France lead both production and consumption.
Italy boasts 11,000 hectares under carrot cultivation (1,000 organic), mainly in Sicily (27%), Lazio (19%), Abruzzo (16%), and Emilia-Romagna (15%). The country produces over 500 million kilograms yearly and maintains a trade surplus of €90 million, with exports growing at 13% per year. Germans, French, and Poles are the main importers. Per capita consumption in Italy is around 6 kg.
Italy ranks fifth globally in carrot exports, accounting for 6% of global exports with consistent growth over the past decade.
Key challenges remain: improving product value, adapting to stricter EU regulations, and increasing competitiveness abroad.
Precision genetics: Cora Seeds’ global strategy
Jan De Visser, Cora Seeds carrot breeder, outlined the challenges and opportunities in carrot genetics. He presented the company’s new breeding program (acquired from KWS in 2023), launched in 2010 and now revitalised by Cora Seeds to produce top hybrids.
The goal is to develop varieties suited for zero-residue cultivation, fresh-cut processing, and climate resilience.
“There are many challenges,” De Visser concluded, “but they define the direction and strength of our research.”
Changing habits and retail expectations
Matteo Mazzoni, Sales Director at Mazzoni Group, highlighted shifts in large-scale retail and supply chain logistics.
“We’re seeing big transformations due to climate change and evolving consumption habits. Markets demand higher standards – we need investments in technology and improved genetics.”
Carrots are now seen as a “dynamic crop” that creates value when supported by cutting-edge genetics and integrated production.
Agronomic pressures and sustainability
Massimo Pavan (Carota Novella IGP Consortium) and Rodolfo Occhipinti (SATA) discussed growing agronomic pressures – pests, fewer approved crop protection products, and zero-residue demands.
They called for a coordinated strategy combining genetics, technique, and sustainability to secure quality and competitiveness.
Cora Seeds: Family roots, global ambition
Cora Seeds, founded by CEO Maurizio Bacchi, employs 80 people, with revenues of €20 million evenly split between Italy and exports. Its R&D centers in Italy, Turkey, and Jordan focus on onions, watermelon, tomatoes, fennel, baby leaf lettuce – and now, carrots.
Carrot Day reaffirmed the company’s global vision and its mission to lead innovation for a sustainable and competitive horticulture sector.
