Italy: Bad weather not affecting leek prices

"Leek prices have been rather mediocre in the past few days. Not low, but not very satisfactory either. I would say around €1/kg for processed leeks in 4 kg crates. The bad weather in Italy is not affecting quotations because, even if the product is lacking, wholesalers import it from the Netherlands or other European countries."

This was reported by Marco Lisi, a producer from Emilia Romagna specialising in leeks. He grows around 200,000 plants a year. These days, prices in national wholesale markets (Lusia, Turin, Verona) hover between 70 eurocents and €1.30 depending on origin, packaging and quality.

Leek is a typical winter vegetable. It also exists in summer, but Lisi no longer grows it because "the high temperatures compromise its productivity and quality. In addition, German and Polish leeks are favoured by the cooler temperatures in summer."

Lisi's produce is placed in two-layered, 4 kg crates and sold directly or at the Cesena Market. "Quality is excellent this year, thanks to a drop in temperatures during one week in October."

For further information:
Marco Lisi
Cell.: +39 338 835 1248