2015 is not over yet, but it is already possible to make a few considerations as regards the kiwi, apple and table grape campaigns.
FreshPlaza talked to Linda Carobbi, Corporate Director Fresh Fruit Vertical Market at Savino Del Bene SpA, a group that has been active in the international transport and logistics sector for over 100 years and is in contact with all the main sea and air shipping lines.
The Savino Del Bene headquarters in Florence.
As reported by Linda, Italy mainly exports apples, kiwis and table grapes. "Ever since the Russian ban was introduced, attention is growing towards Asia and Africa. The volumes handled in 2015 were similar to the previous year, despite a slowdown in summer months due to the hot weather and difficult situation in Egypt."
Perspectives seem positive for kiwis in Hong Kong, as fruit can be shipped there without having to be subjected to the cold treatment.
As regards table grapes, the main destination is the Middle East. "There could be some news for what concerns Canada, as phytosanitary inspectors are evaluating the cold treatment for Italian table grapes."
In the citrus fruit sector, the main problem slowing down exports towards the US (especially for easy-peelers) are the organoleptic qualities of fruit, which is sweeter and juicier but with a peel that is not suitable for long journeys.
Manager Francesco Capponi stresses that "the procedure to download temperature data during shipping has improved a lot - it once took hours or even days to download everything whereas now operations are much quicker."
There are some worries about EU load tracking and goods certification regulations though, as "Agecontrol requires the number of each single container before the phytosanitary service can carry out its checks, which is illogical and slows down loading operations."
European imports
"Chilean counterseasonal kiwi exports were lower than usual but there was more produce coming from New Zealand. Peru remains quite dynamic and its table grapes are increasingly available in Europe and Asia. Peruvian mango and banana producers are very worried about El Niño".
The Savino Del Bene headquarters.
Italian dried fruit imports have been quite positive. "Consumption is increased a lot and we have been importing a lot of produce from California."
For further information:
Linda Carobbi
Corporate Director Fresh Fruit Vertical Market
Savino Del Bene S.p.A
Via del Botteghino 24/26
50018 Scandicci (FI) - ITALIA
Ph +39 (0)55 5219616
Fax + 39 (0)55 5201230
Cell +39 335 7874272
Email: linda.carobbi@savinodelbene.com
Web: www.savinodelbene.com
Author: Rossella Gigli
Copyright: www.freshplaza.it