Wholesalers are still finding it hard to sell winter produce because temperatures are still too high.
"There are various factors that drive prices down: slow consumption, overlaps due to the mild weather and the Russian ban," explains Giuseppe Giomaro (in the photo), owner of Sempre Verde sas.
Prices are 30% lower on average, take for example cauliflowers: last year, they sold at €1.30-1.50/kg but this year they are selling at €0.80-1.00/kg.
The situation is just the same as regards apples and the only ones doing slightly better are tomatoes, as "there is still demand despite the fact that they are summer vegetables. Temperatures during the day reach 18°C, when we used to usually have frost in mid November!"
Negotiations to lower the price of stands
While dealers are waiting for winter weather to arrive, the situation at the Verona wholesale market is getting worse by the day.
The situation is just the same as regards apples and the only ones doing slightly better are tomatoes, as "there is still demand despite the fact that they are summer vegetables. Temperatures during the day reach 18°C, when we used to usually have frost in mid November!"
Negotiations to lower the price of stands
While dealers are waiting for winter weather to arrive, the situation at the Verona wholesale market is getting worse by the day.
The rent for a stand is around €120/sq m, whereas it only costs €38/sq m in Padua. "Such difference might have been justifiable when things were going well, but we can no longer afford it, so we are now negotiating a reduction of the tariff."
If they can't reach a solution soon, wholesalers are ready to take drastic action starting from January 2015.
Contacts:
Sempreverde sas di Giomaro Giuseppe & C.
Stand 32 Mercato Agroalimentare
Via Sommacampagna, 63D/E 37137 Verona
Tel. +39 0458622703 –
Fax +39 0458646815
Email: info@sempreverdesas.it