To understand what happened, we must go back to week 41: "rain and hail affected production and prices increased." At the time, most of the production came from Sicily, so prices in Verona, "varied between 90 cents and €1.10-1.20/kg. Demand from Europe was also good, as the prices of Spanish produce were higher."
The situation changed completely in week 42, because the weather stabilised. "35-36°C were reached in Ragusa and the same happened in Latina and Sabaudia. This increased production and a bigger supply combined with low consumption led to a drop in prices. Last week, prices went from 70 cents to €1/kg tops."
"The same happened in Spain. Once their prices dropped, Europe started getting supplied from them once again, so foreign demand for Italian courgettes froze," concludes Leonardi.
Contacts:
Leonardi Salvatore snc
Via Sommacampagna, 63
Verona (VR) c/o mercato ortofrutticolo
Tel.: (+39) 045 953787
Fax: (+39) 045 8622324
Email: info@leonardisnc.com
Web: www.leonardisnc.com