Stable market for summer fruit in Bologna

Summer fruit commercialisation is rather stable - "Good quality watermelons are being sold for 50/60 cents per kg, while there is less difference in melon prices - where netted ones are sold at €1-1.10/kg and with smooth ones reaching €1.50-1.70/kg," explains Novafruit owner and Bologna wholesaler Renzo Mainetti.
"Prices are average. They grew with the first heatwave, but now they are stable."

The Bologna wholesale market. (Archive photo)

The same can be said for stone fruit. Yellow nectarines are selling well, while demand for white varieties is still slow because the most prestigious varieties have yet to arrive on the market. "Peach sales are also slow, but the best varieties are not available yet. Quality was a little affected by the rainy period during ripening." In general, prices hover between €1 and €1.20/kg for AAA grades, down to 80 cents depending on quality and grade.

Late apricot varieties are not available, with prices between €1.50-1.70/kg for top quality and fall below €1 for the lower qualities.

"We expect prices to be stable if the weather continues to be like this, especially since apricot volumes are ending and more peaches are on their way. Volumes should be absorbed by summer demand."

Author: Andrea Minghelli
Copyright: www.freshplaza.it