Recent scenarios in Italy on fresh-cut products in the Covid-19 context

In recent years, the fresh-cut products segment has shown a growing trend in Italy even in the current complex socio-economic phase determined largely by the Covid 19 pandemic. The paper proposes an evolutionary path with the analysis of data produced by statistical sources, effective for cognitive purposes. Data mainly refer to the large product group of "salads" that represent the prevailing market share of the fresh-cut products segment. The vitality emerged has suggested to focus on some of the quality aspects orientated both on the part of firms, in order to promote competitive capacity, and on the part of consumers because of the need to respond to requests for food safety. In relation to this aspect, the paper proposes theoretical consideration, relevant for practical and factual purposes, on whether food safety is really one of the factors closely linked to determining quality. This is to identify the role and the importance attributed respectively to quality, as regards the ability to satisfy expressed or implicit needs, and to food safety, as an absence of risks that could endanger human health. The resulting difference in role and function raised the question of whether food quality and safety should be considered universally combined in the reference food. Finally, the paper, in the general regulatory framework, inherent to the agro-food sector of the European Union and of the Italian legislative authorities, has sought to identify the provisions that directly and/or indirectly influence the improvement and innovation of fresh-cut products.