"It would at least help us understand if Italian peaches still make sense or if Spanish produce is enough to meet our domestic demand. If Italy still has a place on the market though, production and packaging costs should be covered."
"People always talk about ethics and most of the Italian commercial farms have aligned, and rightly so. Though producers should also be treated ethically," observes a producer from Romagna.
"In Apulia, we are letting peaches fall to the ground to protest against supermarket prices. Despite the lack of produce, they are selling with a 200-300% markup."
There are also rumours that some producer are thinking about reporting the pressure they receive from some retailers to the Antitrust.
The government has indeed increased the sanctions under art. 62 of 2012 concerning the obligation of a written contract and the non-observance of business relationships, yet nothing has changed so far.
The produce supply is not organised, favouring Spanish competitors, and the extension of the Russian embargo means there is a need for Community measures to safeguard the produce affected.
The produce supply is not organised, favouring Spanish competitors, and the extension of the Russian embargo means there is a need for Community measures to safeguard the produce affected.
In the meantime, in Germany...
"Today, 1kg punnets of Italian nectarines are sold by German retailers at €0.88 against the €2.99 of Spanish loose produce. They practically use the Italian produce for special offers," reports an exporter.
Above, Italian nectarines and, below, loose Spanish produce.
"Another retailer sells Spanish punnets at €1.99 and nectarines at €1.59. There is something wrong here - if we keep repeating that our products are certified and guaranteed while the Spaniards grow mass produce using substances that are actually banned, then why are prices like this?"
Left, Spanish peach punnets at €1.99. Right, Spanish nectarines at €1.59.