Salvatore and Daniela Milana at Fruit Logistica 2014.
Though 2014 was not really good for prices, as the company had to deal with the weird weather in destination countries. "Prices were rather low because temperatures in Germany and Northern Europe were exceptionally mild. They usually start harvesting their national produce in late June and finish in September, so they are self-sufficient until March - and that's when we step in."
Carrots in Ispica (RG) ready to be washed and packed.
In 2014 though, "Northern European countries managed to harvest early have produce available until May-early June." This in turn meant prices hovered around €0.38-0.40/kg for loose carrots in 10kg crates, "the lowest ever recorded. Basically we harvested the produce so as not to leave it in the ground."
Things were not much better in Italy, as prices were more or less the same due to overproduction.
Carrots being processed at Azienda Agricola Milana Giovanni,
The new season has started in Ispica. "We are now producing 2-3 trucks per week and quantities will increase until April-May. Things are looking good, as Italian volumes will be lower this year due to weather problems."
For further info:
Azienda Agricola Biologica Milana Giovanni
Contrada Crocefia
97014 Ispica (RG)
Tel.: (+39) 0932 704054
Fax: (+39) 0932 959264
Email1: info@biomilana.it
Email2: milanagio@tiscali.it
Web: www.biomilana.it