Increase in production but lower prices for Venetian asparagus. "Consumption was rather depressing at the beginning, with prices 20% lower than last year. Now we are in full production, so we will have to wait to make an assessment," explained Giuseppe Basei, manager of Cooperativa Agricola Bibione (Veneto). "At the moment prices are 1€/kg less than last year. For example, asparagus with grades between 16 and 22 mm sell at €5.5/kg, whereas last year they sold at €6-7 (the highest average price of the past 10 years)."
The headquarters of the Cooperative.
Established in 1959, CAB currently covers 9 hectares of white asparagus producing 60 tons per year and 2 hectares of green asparagus producing around 15 tons per year. In addition, there are another 250 hectares owned by its 64 partners producing tomatoes, lambs lettuce, cucumbers, courgettes, lettuce and cabbage as well.
Despite the particular weather of autumn-winter 2014, "we have not been heavily affected. At first, shoots grew rapidly because of the mild temperatures, but then things slowed down."
White asparagus.
"As regards forced cultivation, there were no huge variations because we use basal heating - harvesting started only a few days earlier."
White asparagus.
"As regards forced cultivation, there were no huge variations because we use basal heating - harvesting started only a few days earlier."
This year, CAB is expecting a 20% increase in production, though prices will be 20% lower on average. Zeno, Marte and Eros varieties are doing well, especially since they are more tolerant to fungi. "This means only a couple of treatments are needed."
The asparagus season lasts approximately 3 months (March, April and May). "As temperatures are rather good at the moment, growth is quick and the produce has better organoleptic qualities."
As regards competition, the chairman says that "asparagus are linked with the territory they are produced in. All the produce is distributed locally because supply is really fragmented and there are multiple local brands. This means there is no real competition, as foreign produce is not really appreciated."
"This in turn means that different prices depend solely on supply and demand, which fluctuate mainly around Easter and April 25th (St. Mark's Day)."
60-70% of the produce is destined to retailers, whereas the rest is sold locally. Asparagus are sold under the CAB brand. The Cooperative used to have a "no residue" certification but is now concentrating on obtaining certifications that will be more useful abroad.
Contacts:
Cooperativa Agricola Bibione
Via Pineda Destra, 11
30020 Bibione (VE) - Italy
Tel.: (+39) 043143446
Fax: (+39) 043143142
Giuseppe Basei
Mob.: (+39) 335 8262636
Email: cabibione@libero.it