"We started selling apricots the first week of May and we will continue until early September. In total, we will sell around 3,500 tons of apricots. In the past few years, we have increased investments on the late Petra, Faralia, Farbaly and Farclo varieties."
"Yellow peaches (around 5,000 tons) are cultivated in the Metapontino (Rich May and Bordo) and Romagna regions (Bordo). Harvesting will continue until early September."
As regards nectarines (10,000 ton), Basilicata started harvesting the very early varieties in late May, and we have now started with Big Bang and Big Top in Metapontino. This year, the cooperative will also start selling the first saturn peaches.
"There has been a Sharka problem in the last few years. Unfortunately, we can only monitor and try to prevent it. We are currently substituting some of our stone fruit with pomegranates in some of the companies that were hit in Central and Southern Italy."
Terremerse production is aimed for the medium-high end of the market. Superior grades (A and above for peaches and nectarines and 50+ for apricots) are destined to domestic retailers, whereas smaller grades are sold in Europe and to Germany, Great Britain, Scadinavia and Eastern Europe in particular.
"This year we have also signed an agreement with Mediterraneo Group to increase our availability on other markets such as for example the Arab Emirates. We think this arrangement will achieve good results for our partners."
Processing and packaging are carried out by the plant in Lavezzola, where an update of the grading, selection and packaging machinery will enable to increase standards.
"We are continuing with our direct on-field packaging for our premium "Appena Colta" and "Freschissimi" ranges, which are also integrated with other medium produce ranges packed with simpler materials for the less demanding markets."
"Our main competitors during summer are Spain and Greece, as their production costs are lower. Supplies are expected to be abundant in Europe, which is positive production-wise but poses a few problems on the commercial front. High-quality produce should do well anyway though, especially if the weather will be good over the summer."
Contacts
Cooperativa Terremerse
Processo Ortofrutta
Via S. Silvestro, 38
48018 Faenza (RA)
Tel.: (+39) 0546 600811
Fax: (+39) 0546 600838
Email: emordenti@terremerse.it
Web: www.terremerse.it