The peach and nectarine campaign has started in Emilia-Romagna after weeks of bad weather.
"The peach, nectarine and apricot summer campaign has started at least 10 days early all over Italy," explains Giancarlo Mingussi (in the photo), president of Fruitimprese Emilia Romagna.
"The South has already harvested 50% of the production although there was 25% less fruit. Emilia-Romagna started harvesting a few days ago and, at the moment, both the domestic and European market are not oversupplied as Spain is producing less fruit than average. The next few weeks should finally be good for summer fruit."
Agrintesa Faenza director Cristian Moretti adds that "we are hoping consumption will increase with the arrival of nice weather. Earlier productions were affected by the low temperatures and rain."
For what concerns the market, Minguzzi says that "we need to abandon low-quality varieties and replace them with others that are more popular with consumers.
Stefano Alberghi (in the photo) cultivated three hectares of peaches and nectarines, among which are the Big Top and Royal Glory varieties, i.e. two of the most popular with consumers. "Grades are good, though the later varieties are looking better. The campaign will be early."
Filippo Laghi owns 6 hectares of peach orchards in Forlì. "We have a few interesting varieties such as Sweet Red, Royal Glory and Summer. Grades are good and quantities are average. We hope the weather will be fine so as to have an excellent quality."