How are Italian fruit exports doing for 2014/15?
"Thanks to the good availability of Abate pears, we started tackling the market with competitive prices, which led to an increase in sales. Things have been quite stable in the past few days, as is always the case before Christmas," explains Bruno Malfatti, administrator for GeoFrutta.
"As regards William pears, the market was active especially for France. Consumption has also become somewhat stable here in the past 7-8 days."
"Of course no quantities are sent to Russia, who usually preferred big grades, but Germany and France are partially making up for it with greater demands. We also must not underestimate sales in North-African countries, where the situation is calmer than in the past, and Eastern Europe, which is starting to appreciate our Abate pears."
"As usual, abroad we have to compete with the Netherlands and Belgium but we managed to settle since the beginning of the campaign."
"As regards early kiwis, we have done a good job although demand for the first assortments of Hayward in Europe is lower. We could insist on ready-to-eat products to improve consumption - retailers seem to be interested in them too."
"The drop in consumption in Italy and Europe is compensated by Canada, US, Arab countries and Asia. Our main competitor is Greece but, as usual, their stocks finish at the beginning of the new year so the situation should improve."
"Where apples are concerned, Galas are doing well with increasing prices despite the big quantities coming from Poland. Granny Smiths are instead suffering quite a bit."
"Presentation is important and interest is increasing for smaller packets - 500 gram trays (6 fruits) and kiwi punnets as well as for 2 kg packets of pears- though of course they cost more," concludes Malfatti.
"Presentation is important and interest is increasing for smaller packets - 500 gram trays (6 fruits) and kiwi punnets as well as for 2 kg packets of pears- though of course they cost more," concludes Malfatti.
Contacts:
Geo Frutta srl
Via Passetto, 22
Alfonsine (RA)
Tel.: (+39) 0544 869903(+39) 0544 869903
Fax: (+39) 0544 867807
Email: bruno@geofruttasrl.191.it