This is the report of the Sant'Orsola Cooperative managers - a leading Italian company for the production and sale of the above mentioned fruits.
"We have made some forecasts on the volumes we will sell in 2013 as the number of members and the growing areas are the same of the past year. Strawberries will produce less but soft fruits of Italian origin will increase (especially raspberries and blackberries). Cherries will perform better than in 2012. We must, though, remind you that 2012 was a difficult year for cherries, as part of the production was ruined by a freeze at Easter."
In spring, the increase in production of raspberries and blackberries coming form partners in Southern Italy (Calabria and Sicily) led to a decrease of imports, as an increase in domestic production usually does. So, volumes of small fruits sold in 2013 will remain unvaried with respect to the previous year.
"As regards exports, we expect them to increase. We carried out a test on the Russian market in 2012 which had positive results. We will thus strengthen our sales strategy on international markets and especially on emerging ones. We have already appointed somebody who will deal with exports full time."
The domestic production of soft fruit goes from May until November, but the availability depends on the product. Italian blueberries and blackberries are available between mid-May and late October, redcurrants from June to February (thanks to modified and controlled atmosphere storing techniques). As regards raspberries, we are still experimenting on productions in Sicily and Calabria so as to meet the requirements of the market and to supply Italian produce also during April/December. Strawberries and wild strawberries are cultivated the whole year round. "Cherries are the only seasonal product available from mid-June to mid-August."
Demand and price trend with respect to 2012
"Demand for small fruits is good. It is still early though to give an assessment on prices. We can say that prices of the spring production of Italian raspberries and blueberries are good. We must not forget that the benchmark is with the Spanish produce, which however does not have the same quality we do."
Sant'Orsola is always introducing new solutions to keep quality and efficiency standards high as to guarantee a good service to its clients.
On the Italian market, competition regards operators, privates or associations and consortia producing strawberries and small fruits on the national territory and importing produce from other countries (e.g. strawberries from Germany and Spain).
Challenges and objectives for the future
The challenge is to guarantee fair profits to partners. "Only commercial farms that are paid enough will remain in the mountains, keep the environment neat and the economic and social life lively."
For futher information:
Sant'Orsola Soc. Coop. Agricola
Sara Bellini
Via Lagorai 131
38057 Pergine Valsugana (TN)
Tel.: (+39) 0461 518170
Cell.: 335 5642361
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.santorsola.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CoopSantOrsola
