The Italian 2016/17 kiwi campaign started a few weeks ago, but volumes on the Bologna wholesale market remain limited. "We expect larger volumes over the next couple of weeks, as producers and cooperatives are now taking the fruit out of refrigerated units to make it reach the perfect Brix level," explains a wholesaler. Another operator explains he started trading Italian kiwis only a week ago.
Of course it is still too early to tell but, according to various wholesalers, domestic volumes seem to be lower this year. Prices hover between €1.45 and 1.50/kg for grade 25s in double-layer basket boxes.
Kiwifruit. (Archive photo)
Another reports €1.40-1.50/kg for first category kiwis weighing 120/140 grams and €1/kg for second category kiwis weighing 105/120 grams. According to this wholesaler, the most popular kiwis are second-category ones and "there is a lot of foreign produce available at the moment, more than in the past."
This data is confirmed by other operators, and is probably due to the fact that the Italian season has just started. The fact that there are kiwis from New Zealand is not surprising, but there is also produce from Greece, sold at €1.35/kg for grade 25s loose in crates.
This is a clear signal that a new player has arrived on the market.