While the Italian markets are still filled with grapes from South Africa, Peru and Chile, the first batches of Victoria and Black Magic are being harvested in Sicily.
Lorenzo Bellassai from import-export firm Giovanni Bellassai told FreshPlaza that they "started with the first quantities last week. We are lucky that we start very early, as we are the first in Europe for the grape season. Volumes will increase from early June and then we will export to Europe. We will start selling Black Magic in a month or so."
Black Magic grapes a few days ago. .
Bellassai is a family-run company established in 1996. Giovanni (Lorenzo's father) has been working in the sector for almost fifty years and collects produce from over 100 producers.
Black Magic grapes a few days ago. .
Bellassai is a family-run company established in 1996. Giovanni (Lorenzo's father) has been working in the sector for almost fifty years and collects produce from over 100 producers.
The season is seven/ten days late with respect to last year, though quality is exceptional, especially for what concerns the black varieties. "Last year, we sold over 5,000 tons and this year we aim at reaching 6,000. At the moment, the countries that show the biggest interest for our produce are Germany, Netherlands and Poland, which will help us fill the gap left by Russia". Last year the company wasn't affected but only because the last trucks left the warehouses a few days before the ban was announced.
Victoria grapes a few days ago.
"The weather was cold and rainy until March, causing the delay I mentioned earlier, but the quality of the produce in greenhouses and under films is excellent. The productive cycle is also going very well for late open field varieties such as Italia and Red Globe".
Victoria grapes a few days ago.
"The weather was cold and rainy until March, causing the delay I mentioned earlier, but the quality of the produce in greenhouses and under films is excellent. The productive cycle is also going very well for late open field varieties such as Italia and Red Globe".
As regards the rumours concerning low quantities, he says that "to us, quality is the most important thing. The fruit is not acidic and the taste is good. If the supply is lower, it could mean that prices may go up. Overseas grapes did well with high prices and constant demand. We hope things will be the same for us."
Black Magic grapes a few days ago.
Contacts:
Lorenzo Bellassai
Giovanni Bellassai import-export
Viale del lavoro s.n.c.
95040 Mazzarrone (CT)
Tel.: +39 (0)933 29546
Cell.: +39 339 8638049
Email: lorenzobellassai@gmail.com
Author: Maria Luigia Brusco
Copyright: www.freshplaza.it