The season in Lazio, the main producer region, is not over yet, but with less than one month to go, we can make a first assessment.
"The winter season started well with good sales, so much so that at times demand was higher than the supply. Consumption though dropped from December 20th 2014 as produce from Southern Italy arrived. The decrease in sales is estimated at 30%, except for Roman broccoli," explain the owners of a local company.
"Usually, when consumption drops, so do prices. This year though it did not go this way - quotations held. Cauliflower prices hovered between 80 and 90 Euro cents per kilo, whereas Roman broccoli were sold at €1-1,10/kg."
The situation is different for Savoy cabbages and cabbages as, "in the past ten days, quantities are scarce and prices are increasing. Savoy cabbages have gone from 45-60 Euro cents per kilo to 80 cents and even 1€. The reason behind this gap is the fact that it is now produced less. Prices are usually so low that many do not even sow or sow much less. The same happens for cabbages, which reach 60-65 Euro cents per kilo."
Quality in general "was good, despite the fact that the strong cold wind on December 31st damaged the leaves a little."
As regards the future, the owners say that "sales should increase with higher prices because the winter season will soon be over. Then we will have to wait for May for the summer season, with a gap in April. The only exception is for Roman broccoli, with which we will resume in September."