The peach campaign is going well this year, and prices are quite good also thanks to a few drops in supply. It is precisely in years like these that strategies should be implemented to avoid low prices in the future, but it is easier said than done.
Gabriele Ferri
"We need to identify various product categories in order to retain customers. At least we need to distinguish sub-acidic peaches from the normal ones. Then there would also be different categories depending on flesh compactness. The wine sector has understood the need to create expectations to win over customers, so much so that, today, it is quite fashionable to know the various wine categories," explains Gabriele Ferri, coordinator of the Peach and nectarine committee within Ortofrutta Italia."
Packed nectarines.
There are over 140 varieties and not even operators know them all. Consumers need simple and useful information.
"Big Top nectarines are currently being harvested, which are always a success with consumers. However, not all stores know how to make them recognisable so they can stand out."
Peaches being processed.
Commercialisation is going well - stocks are low and many varieties have seen a 10-18% drop in production. The fruit is ripening 9 days earlier than usual in certain areas in southern Italy.
"Unfortunately, the Pgi mark is not working well for peaches and nectarines. Supply would need to be more aggregated but I am afraid we will never achieve that. Only European programming with Italy and Spain in the lead could help the sector, but it does not seem like it will happen."