"I have been working in this sector for many years, but have never witnessed a campaign like this - production was higher than average in May, when we usually programme our marketing campaigns," reports Carlo De Riso, administrator of Costieragrumi De Riso.Prices were also high due to the lower pressure from foreign countries - "Lemon production was lower in general and even Spain supplied produce with high quotations."
"Despite the prices, consumers recognised our produce as being unique - the peel is edible and it has an unmistakable aroma, so they are willing to spend a little more."
High temperatures led to drops and early ripening
The only problem was caused by drops (see photo below). "In June and July, we lost a lot of lemons because of the high temperatures. The mild winter favoured early ripening and harvesting was around one month early."
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"Luckily, demand from retailers was such that we had to speed up harvesting and processing operations and drops did not affect us as much, as production was more abundant this year. We have already finished reaping the produce we usually harvest in September!"
Thefts in lemon groves
Costieragrumi reports recent thefts as lemons have been stolen to be resold. "It was the first time something like this has ever happened and we have identified some of the culprits. Luckily the situation is not as bad as in Sicily."
Aggregation
Producer Organisations are important to deal with the expanding market and to be more competitive as well as to benefit from the advantages envisaged by European laws. This is why Costieragrumi is working to aggregate suppliers and producers.
"We already have around one hundred members and have found a facility covering 5 thousand square metres which will be destined for lemon production and commercialisation. In addition, we are working to obtain the GlobalGAP certification for those who want to join us and we are hoping to be recognised as a PO as soon as September."
In September, Costieragrumi will attend Macfrut in Rimini at the Italia Ortofrutta Unione Nazionale stand (Hall 3 - Stand B3_147-174)
Contacts:
Costieragrumi De Riso S.r.l.
Sorting and Distribution of Lemons and Derivative products
Commercialisation of "Limone Costa d'Amalfi" P.G.I.
Registered office: Corso V. Emanuele, 117
Processing facility: Via Pioppi
84010 Minori (SA)
Tel.: (+39) 089 877788
Fax: (+39) 089 8541047
Cell.: (+39) 328 2825778
Email: info@costieragrumi.it
Web: www.costieragrumi.it