Italy: Forthcoming Italian citrus fruit season is not looking good

According to Cirino Scatà, sales manager of an important cooperative in Calabria, the forthcoming Italian citrus fruit season is not looking good.

"Unfortunately, we cannot underestimate what happened during the summer fruit season. There were three main problems: overproduction, the weather that did not favour consumption and a decrease in purchasing power. The EU did not give appropriate answers to deal with such situation. Of the three, the consumption problem is still standing."

"We will have to understand what the effects of the Russian ban will be. I am not expecting a drastic reduction of exports towards the country, as we don't export much over there in comparison with other countries."

The biggest suppliers to Russia have always been Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Morocco and lately Pakistan.

"Unfortunately, it will be the collateral effects caused by Spain that will be a problem, as it will have to find outlets for its produce. This will result in special offers and promotions that are almost dumping practices."

Blood oranges (Moro/Tarocco) will luckily be somewhat safe, because they reach a different part of the market than blond oranges.

"Sicily will have to deal with the usual problem concerning small grades. As regards clementines, the situation is more complicated. Production is not abundant, but there are new orchards which have started producing. There seems to be a 20% drop in early varieties, whereas medium-late varieties are doing well."

As regards Navelina/Navel oranges, volumes expected are below historic averages, tough there will still be problems concerning prices.

"We will suffer from the reduction in purchasing power of consumers, but also from the collateral effects of the ban, as we will have to deal with Spanish clementines."

"The risk is once again that producers won't be able to make a profit. At the moment I cannot see anything positive, so trade associations better start looking for ways to help producers."

"We should think about an agreement with retailers to safeguard the domestic production. Trade associations could support the project and look for funds to promote the consumption of domestic produce. There's little else we can do!"