"This is the first year we've imported artichokes from Egypt," said Omar Trinchera, who is responsible for Cambofrutta's imports and administration. The company decided to import Egyptian products, in this case Violetto artichokes, because in early 2017 the artichoke crops in the region of Apulia suffered heavy damage as a result of weather conditions. This led to a lack of stock that Italian companies have replaced by turning to other markets.
"The Egyptian Violetto artichoke is very similar to the Italian artichoke, with the advantage of having more volume and a much more intense color," said Trinchera. The only difference from the Italian product, he said, "is that they don't follow our custom of harvesting it with a leaf, as they only come with a stem of around 10cm."
This year the price has been quite accessible, with a market that has responded satisfactorily up to February. The Italian companies will complete their imports of artichokes from Egypt in March when they start getting ready to begin the next planting season.
For more information:
Omar Trinchera
Cambofrutta srl – Import&Trade
Telf. +39 0832/455561