"I went to Palermo a few days ago and I noticed that there were a lot of overlaps from different areas. Nowadays, consumers are really spoilt for choice and this is not good for wholesalers nor for small retailers. Big chains may be the only ones that can make some money out of it. Producers are the ones doing worse."
At Ortofrutta Mele, things started off well but then the situation worsened. "In the past two to three years, production increased as well as Spanish exports but consumption is actually decreasing."
Hopes for the table grape campaign
The company started purchasing Sicilian Victoria table grapes a week ago. "No big volumes - just 5-6 pallets a week. We are introducing this produce to our assortment only until the Apulian season starts in late July."
The campaign was delayed due to the weather. "The climate changed - we cannot get the cold or hot temperatures when they are needed any more. Being a producer is increasingly difficult."
Despite this, Michele says he is an optimist - "table grapes from Apulia have a high quality. We are particularly proud of the Grottaglie vineyard, which my uncle Alfonso Polise takes care of."
Grapes is packed in 6-7 or 10 kg crates.
Ortofrutta Mele gains most of its strength from the involvement of family members. Brothers Michele, Angelo and Francesco actually work alongside their father Antonio Sodano.
Sodano family photo. Left to right: Michele, Angelo, Alfonso Polese, Francesco and Antonio.
"This job is hard and it is our love for what we do that gives us the strength to make sacrifices and go on. I am not sure it would be worth it if we only considered the income."
Contacts:
Ortofrutta di Mele Carmela sas
Via Orlando 29
80049 Somma Vesuviana (NA) - Italy
Ph.: (+39) 081 5304557 / (+39) 081 5307933
Fax: (+39) 081 5308624
Email: ortofruttamele@libero.it / ortofruttamele@legalmai.it
Alfonso Polise: (+39) 333 3367870
Michele Sodano: (+39) 333 3367869
At Ortofrutta Mele, things started off well but then the situation worsened. "In the past two to three years, production increased as well as Spanish exports but consumption is actually decreasing."
Hopes for the table grape campaign
The company started purchasing Sicilian Victoria table grapes a week ago. "No big volumes - just 5-6 pallets a week. We are introducing this produce to our assortment only until the Apulian season starts in late July."
The campaign was delayed due to the weather. "The climate changed - we cannot get the cold or hot temperatures when they are needed any more. Being a producer is increasingly difficult."
Despite this, Michele says he is an optimist - "table grapes from Apulia have a high quality. We are particularly proud of the Grottaglie vineyard, which my uncle Alfonso Polise takes care of."
Ortofrutta Mele gains most of its strength from the involvement of family members. Brothers Michele, Angelo and Francesco actually work alongside their father Antonio Sodano.
Sodano family photo. Left to right: Michele, Angelo, Alfonso Polese, Francesco and Antonio.
"This job is hard and it is our love for what we do that gives us the strength to make sacrifices and go on. I am not sure it would be worth it if we only considered the income."
Contacts:
Ortofrutta di Mele Carmela sas
Via Orlando 29
80049 Somma Vesuviana (NA) - Italy
Ph.: (+39) 081 5304557 / (+39) 081 5307933
Fax: (+39) 081 5308624
Email: ortofruttamele@libero.it / ortofruttamele@legalmai.it
Alfonso Polise: (+39) 333 3367870
Michele Sodano: (+39) 333 3367869
Author: Rossella Gigli
Copyright: www.freshplaza.it