Italy: Expectations for the 2017 organic new carrot season at Natura Iblea

"Volumes of new carrots should be similar to last year. The only difference is that, due to the low temperatures during winter, harvesting will start later," reports Roberto Giadone, President of Natura Iblea, a company located in south-east Sicily specialising in organic new carrots.

Natura Iblea will harvest around 4,800 tons of produce and introduce yellow and purple carrots as well. "Quality is excellent in Ispica and Scicli. There have only been some problems in Syracuse crops due to the heavy rain in February."

The European market
Demand continues to be lively, especially on the Scandinavian and German markets. "Over the past two years, the average price has been €0.70/kg (ex works) for bagged produce. Last year, the produce was not enough to supply all European markets, as demand in May and June was really high."

When we mentioned overproduction, Giadone explained that "it applies to the traditional produce, while high-quality organic carrots are not enough. Natura Iblea holds the GlobalGap, I.F.S. and IGP certifications and is guaranteed by Grasp".

One of Natura Iblea's best clients is Coop Denmark, one of the European players most concerned with food safety and worker's rights. "We manage to supply excellent organic carrots complying with all these conditions. Large European distribution chains have very high standards and not all producers can meet them. This is why there can be a lack of high-quality high-security carrots on the market."

Direct competitors
The Sicilian produce is much appreciated thanks to its unique organoleptic qualities (sweetness, crunchiness, aroma) but Spain and Israel have become a stronger presence during the past few years.

"Israeli organic carrots travel in containers by ship and are grown in desert areas, so their characteristics are different and they do not represent a direct competitor. In addition, due to the employment of Palestinian labour and to the possible problems connected to this choice, Israeli produce has not always been present on the European market."

"As regards Spain, it is definitely growing but volumes are still not comparable to ours. With its 2,900 hectares dedicated to carrot production, Sicily still grows more in April, May and June."

The 2017 organic new carrot season should be in line with expectations, "though things will be clearer once the orders for week 18 arrive, as imports will start all over Europe."

For further information:
Roberto Giadone - email sale@naturaiblea.it
Natura Iblea Srl
C.da Marabino c.p. 19
97015 Ispica (RG)
Tel.: (+39) 0932 955696
Fax: (+39) 0932 954489
Email: naturaiblea@naturaiblea.it
Web: www.naturaiblea.it