The first peaches, nectarines and apricots are being harvested, which have been cultivated thanks to the consolidated experience of Giotto PO producers.
Thanks to a rather dry spring characterised by medium-high temperatures, quality is good and sugar content is higher than average. The campaign was delayed by approximately a week, also to guarantee fruit of the best quality.
Peaches
"The 2014 campaign was characterised by a lower quality because summer was particularly rainy and cold. Consumption was slow all over Europe," explains CEO Giacomo Galdiero. "This year, we are expecting an excellent campaign - quality is excellent, sugar levels are high and temperatures have been good so far."
Giacomo Galdiero
For what concerns prices, Galdiero said that "the 2015 campaign started with slightly higher prices than last year and we hope they will remain like that".
For what concerns plums, production should be lower (-20%) than 2014 due to setting problems, but quality should be good.
Apricots
Apricot, nectarine, Saturn peach, white peach and Percoca peach crops have increased to meet demand. A bigger focus has been put on new apricot cultivars, with investments on super-early and early Carmingos.
Yellow peaches in 24x40x9 crate
The Luce consortium follows integrated control regulations and holds the GlobalGAP certification. 90% of the produce is sent to retailers - 20% of it goes abroad (especially Germany) and 70% to Italy - whereas the remaining 10% is destined to traditional stores and the processing industry.