Italy: More development to be expected on the foreign market

Company managers told FreshPlaza that "it was a difficult year, especially in spring, as prices were 30% lower than previous years. Luckily in summer the fruit was excellent and demand rose."

The main sales channels are traditional markets and foreign and domestic retailers. "Abroad, people are more interested in berries, so of course in the future sales will increase beyond borders."

As regards volumes, strawberries are the main product, followed by blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and redcurrant, producing 2,500,000 kg in total."

"There will be a slight drop in cultivated areas for strawberries, but quality will improve. Blueberries are actually on the rise, as many plants will start producing in the next few years."



As regards the problems caused by the 

Drosophila suzukii, the company managers say that "there have been problems this year. The only thing to do is to eliminate all waste so as to keep the crop clean. The issue is worse for the crops for which there are one or two detachments. In this case, nets and treatments must be used. We are learning how to live with it."

Contacts:
OP Consorzio Piccoli Frutti Srl
Strada dei Boschi, 99 - Loc. Pozzo
37057 San Giovanni Lupatoto (VR) - Italy
Tel.: +39 045 6698118
Fax: +39 045 6699258
Alberto Busti
Sales manager - German, French
Mob.: +39 335 6063130
Email: albertobusti@aurorafruit.it
Filippo Laghi
Sales manager - Spanish, English
Mob.: +39 366 9083105
Email: filippolaghi@aurorafruit.it
Web: www.aurorafruit.it