Compared to other years, tomato supply is rather scarce as there was a general drop in production. This in turn limited competition, leading to an increase of prices - this is the analysis of Giovanni Cicalese, wholesaler at the Fondi Fresh Produce Market.
The Cicalese Giovanni stand at the market in Fondi.
"My company sells vegetables and fruit mostly to the domestic market, although there are some shipments abroad. We source our produce mainly from family-run local businesses."
Giovanni Cicalese at one of the businesses that supply him with fresh fruit and vegetables.
FreshPlaza decided to visit one of the businesses that supply the wholesaler with fresh produce, De Boni Innocenzo e Marsica.
Agostino and Innocenzo at Di Boni.
Di Boni specialises in tomato, courgette and aubergine production. The vegetables are cultivated in greenhouses spreading over 2.5 hectares.
"We are currently cultivating different varieties of tomatoes," explained Agostino and Innocenzo Di Boni.
"In particular, we cultivate the Pixel (Piccadilly), Portento (San Marzano) and Losna (red bunch) varieties. Pixel is definitely the most popular. These tomatoes are available from mid-September to January/February."
"We have 12,000 tomato plants in total, producing 4-5 kg per plant, i.e. 60 tons between September 15th and November 15th."
"90% of the produce is destined to the Italian market. We can say that the second harvest cycle is going quite well," explained Giovanni Cicalese.
In addition to tomatoes, Di Boni also produces courgettes. "The peak harvesting period is between late December and May. Around 30-40 tons are produced every year and most of them are distributed in Italy although a small quantity is shipped abroad, mainly to France and England."
Innocenzo Di Boni.
As regards aubergines, the company produces between 70 and 80 tons per year.
The business is family run and has been producing vegetables for over 20 years. All greenhouses are equipped with a heating system and pollination is carried out using bumblebees.
For further info:
Cicalese Giovanni
MOF Stand C/2
Viale Piemonte 1
Tel./Fax: (+39) 0771 531478