The season is ending for Vignola cherries, which are grown between Modena and Bologna. "Harvesting will continue for another ten days and will end slightly earlier than usual. This is due to the fact that the campaign started early and that producers are harvesting quickly," explains Valter Monari, director of the Vignola fresh produce market.
The Vignola fresh produce market(MO).
Harvesting is being carried out quicker than usual for three main reasons.
First of all, there is not a lot of produce available so, even though demand is not that lively, buyers are easily found. Just think that 30% less produce is expected with respect to 2015 but the percentage could reach 40% due to the damage caused by the rain.
Another element is market prices, "which are rather good at €4-6/kg. Firm big cherries can also reach €7/kg. Of course there are also some low prices, as the fruit with a lower quality is being sold at €2.50/kg, however prices are definitely higher than last year, when they were so low that some of the growers did not even harvest the fruit."
Vignola cherries.
Last but not the least, the third element is a combination of fear and caution. Growers are afraid that the bad weather will lead to a sudden drop in demand and, hearing of the hailstorms that hit Northern Italy in the past few weeks, they are harvesting quicker to diminish the chance of getting hit as well.
Another element is market prices, "which are rather good at €4-6/kg. Firm big cherries can also reach €7/kg. Of course there are also some low prices, as the fruit with a lower quality is being sold at €2.50/kg, however prices are definitely higher than last year, when they were so low that some of the growers did not even harvest the fruit."
Vignola cherries.
Last but not the least, the third element is a combination of fear and caution. Growers are afraid that the bad weather will lead to a sudden drop in demand and, hearing of the hailstorms that hit Northern Italy in the past few weeks, they are harvesting quicker to diminish the chance of getting hit as well.