Giovanni Raniolo, president of the Mazzarrone PGI table grape consortium, talks about the 2015 season. "We sold around 1,500 tons, 30% more than 2014. It was a good year because we managed to achieve fair prices despite the high production costs and there were no weather problems."
The bigger volumes were also made possible due to an increased retailer demand. "Retailers are asking for more product each year because identifying the place of production represents an added value. Sicilian table grapes are popular because they are sweeter and smaller, while those from Apulia are appreciated for other characteristics."
The stand of the Mazzarrone PGI grapes at Fruit Logistica 2016. Left to right: Salvatore Consoli and Angelo Astorino from the consortium, Antonino Cracolici, regional councillor for Sicilian Agriculture, and iovanni Raniolo, president of the consortium.
"We need to promote PGI grapes more. 12 thousand hectares are dedicated to table grapes in the area and are cultivated by around 500 companies, but only 160 of them are part of the consortium."
Export markets such as the Arab countries may also help, especially considering the geographic position of Sicily. "Logistics could help. We have already shipped the first containers of Vittoria, Red Globe and Italia to the United Arab Emirates."
Table grapes with the Mazzarrone Pgi brand.
But what about the seedless vs. seeded grapes debate? "In Sicily, seedless grapes are not as popular as they are elsewhere. We think that seedless grapes can be cultivated everywhere obtaining more or less the same results, but the Italia variety cannot be replicated elsewhere with the same characteristics."
The only problem is represented by consumer trends. "New generations seem to prefer seedless grapes, yet the flavour of our grapes from Mazzarrone is truly unique. In 2016, we will study new varieties that are similar but seedless, but success will depend on their organoleptic qualities."
Contacts:
Giovanni Raniolo - president
Consorzio uva da tavola Igp di Mazzarrone
Email: uvaigpmazzarrone@libero.it
Email: uvaigpmazzarrone@libero.it