"We have just ended the strawberry campaign, which was difficult and average prices were not satisfactory. The only positive thing was that the campaign was extended. We also had to deal with competition from Spain and produce from Verona was affected by the fact it overlapped with that from Germany. What is more, exports dropped, which contributed to lowering the prices on the domestic market."
"It's ok if produce from Spain arrives, but its origin must be clearly stated. Our costs are not competitive, that is why cultivated areas have been halved in Italy. It costs us €1.60 to cultivate 1 kg of strawberries, to which you need to add packaging and logistic costs and consider the discount we need to offer retailers. Of course, if one 500g punnet costs €0.70-0.80, then it is obvious that it does not come from Italy."
The stonefruit situation
Gruppo Slavi produces early peaches and nectarines on 50 hectares in the Salerno province. "They sold well from mid-May until recently. In the past 3-4 days, however, pressure increased because produce from Northern Italy and Spain arrived. Of course buyers can now buy at the best price."
"Quotations dropped significantly in only a week. The season is only just starting, but if things go on like this prices will not cover costs. The only advantage we have, is the fact that the season is early, so we can extend the marketing period. It is however unlikely that it will be enough to have a satisfactory campaign."
As regards the end of the pear campaign, Salvi said that "results were worse than expected. Shelf-life was good and consumption was ok, but some markets did not recognise the value of our pears and preferred more competitive prices from the Netherlands and Spain."
"Results were positive for kiwis though, especially from March onwards. This was due to the fact that we produced less than our normal capability (little over 400,000 ton), volumes were less even in France, Greece and the US, and exports worked really well especially towards Asia and China in particular."
Contacts
Unacoa SpA Consortile
Via Bologna, 714
44124 Ferrara
Tel.: (+39) 0532 785511
Fax: (+39) 0532 785512
Email: info@salvi.it
Web: www.salvi.it