Italy: Difficult to compete with Spanish summer fruit

"This year, the Italian stonefruit production is good, but grades are not what foreign markets want. In just a few years, the Spaniards managed catch up and overtake us. They are much more organised and manage to produce good quality fruit, which they can sell at lower prices," explains Paolo Bernardi from Cenerini Spa.

Then there's the strawberry case. "We are currently selling the fruit from the Trento area, which is produced between 800 and 1,500 metres a.s.l. Though one only needs to look at the weather forecast to realise that temperatures are now too low to keep producing. In addition, prices are increasing, so sales are slow."

As regards top fruit and pears in particular, Bernardi explains that "the market is currently filled with Spanish early produce before the Italian one arrives on the market. But the problem is that this year the campaign was a disaster. Warehouses are filled with produce from overseas that hasn't sold and has been stored for 3-4 months."

Demand is in fact really low. "At Cenerini, we mainly supply wholesalers, stores and markets, and we have seen how low demand really is, especially for what concerns peaches. The middle class buys a lot less, though demand for niche and second grade products has increased."

For further info:
Cenerini Spa
Via Paolo Canali 1
40127 Bologna
Tel.: +39 (0)51 2861165
Web: www.cenerini.it