Italy: Christmas speculations on fresh produce prices

Rome – According to recent investigations made by the Italian agricultural organization Cia, fresh produce prices have increased between 10 and 40% in just two months. "The increases are totally unjustified. It is just a Christmas speculation" the Cia says, underlining that the prices for the growers are the same they were last year, if not even less in some cases, as for the clementine price.

Veg are more expensive than fruits but the result is the same: a decrease in the fresh produce consumption which amount 18% after two months. In the “hit parade” of the price speculations there are artichokes (+42,9% more expensive), cauliflowers (+27,3%), lettuce (+18,8%), spinaches (+16,7%), zucchini (19,2%), carrots (+11,1%), tangerines (+16%), oranges (+15,4%), clementines (+13%), pears (+14,3%), apples (+11,1%) and kiwi (+10,5%).

The consumer associations estimate that the increase of expenses for household purchases will result in about € 30 per month. Therefore more and more consumers (+10% compared to 2004) prefer to buy fresh products directly from the growers or at market stalls.

Publication date: 8 dec 2005
Author: Rossella Gigli
Copyright: www.freshplaza.com