Raffaele Bucella, sales manager for Granfrutta Zani, reports how this has been a rather good year for apricots.
"Volumes are limited, but quality is very good and prices are quite interesting. Things went well in July, too. There were some problems in June, when productions overlapped and the rain caused shelf-life problems, but luckily everything resolved quickly and consumption grew again in July thanks to the high temperatures."
Although producers have planted a lot of hectares in the past few years, this year there was no overproduction. "It may be because the new varieties are not as productive as the old ones. Compared to varieties like for example Tirintos, the new ones produce 30% or sometimes even 50% less."
New varieties are more delicate, less rustic, less productive but tastier and more appealing than the older ones. They also need cold temperatures more, but it hasn't been as cold in the south this year so there have been a few problems."
Grading and sorting line
What sales managers are trying to explain to retailers is that quality should be promoted more. Some distribution chains understand that and manage to make the produce with the best organoleptic qualities stand out.
The Bagnacavallo facility (Ravenna)
Granfrutta Zani's high-end range is called "Solatìa". "It is seasonal fruit produced according to strict specifications that guarantee high quality, great taste, appearance and packaging and products that are supervised along the entire chain. This brand can be found in numerous distribution chains, especially in big cities," explains marketing manager Elisa Zani.
Visit Granfrutta Zani at the Asia Fruit logistica: Hall 3B / J-17
Contacts:
Elisa Zani - marketing department
OP Granfrutta Zani
Via Monte Sant'Andrea
48018 Granarolo Faentino (RA)
Tel.: (+39) 0546 695211
Fax: (+39) 0546 41775
Email: elisa@granfruttazani.it
Web: www.granfruttazani.it