Italy is a very particular market as far as avocados are concerned. The majority of countries usually prefer the Hass variety, whereas the Italian market generally looks for the green varieties.
Claudio Scandella, exotic-ethnic category manager for Spreafico, explains: "there are many import markets for Hass avocados like Chile, Peru, Mexico, Spain, Israel, South Africa etc. It is the most popular variety worldwide. It is the Italians, together with the Germans, that eat mainly green avocados, whereas English and French (or Spaniards) prefer Hass. It depends on the knowledge of the product."
"Italy consumes exclusively green avocados (Fuerte, Ettinger, Pinkerton etc) with big grades (10-12). Because of this, we only use a part of what plants actually produce," points out the manager.
As regards the Hass variety (which is considered 'black' because of the colour of the skin), volumes in the Italian market are limited, with grades ranging from 16 to 24.
As regards the Hass variety (which is considered 'black' because of the colour of the skin), volumes in the Italian market are limited, with grades ranging from 16 to 24.
"Traditional markets are generally interested in this product, they realise it tastes good and try to promote it. Mass retailing though keeps promoting green avocados. For this reason, it's going to take some time before consumers understand and appreciate the characteristics of the two varieties."
"At the moment, we are only importing avocados from Israel. As production will end in a month's time, we will start importing them from Peru and South Africa. The trend is rather stable, and prices are more or less the same as last year. Demand is quite good."
"Our consumption has increased, and the general consumption of avocados has continued increasing in the past 10 years. Avocados have become quite familiar, people now know what they are and are starting to use them in different ways. So of course demand is increasing."
As regards exotic products, the trend is quite constant. "Last year we suffered a bit with mangos, which was one of the products that was most affected by the crisis, as it's not yet well-known. However, we have now returned to a more or less normal level," concludes Scandella.
For more information:
Claudio Scandella
Category Manager esotico-etnico
SPREAFICO FRANCESCO & F.LLI SPA
Cell. +39 348 2506928
Email: [email protected]
Skype: claudio_scandella
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