Over the past two-three weeks, the price of Sicilian melons has dropped abruptly. "It's not only due to the bad weather, but also to the fact that people seem to prefer imported produce, from Senegal in particular," explains Vincenzo Marrali from Cooperativa Agricola San Tommaso in Licata (AG).
"The produce became available in April, but there was a lot of Senegalese fruit introduced by importers due to its lower price, which damaged domestic melons. I believe more Sicilian produce should be programmed."
According to Marrali, the bad weather also contributed to driving prices down. The campaign is almost over, there are only 20 days to go, "and it all depends on the weather. Prices might increase with a rise in temperatures, especially since volumes from Senegal have finished. But I believe the situation won't improve much. It will be very difficult for Sicilian agriculture to pay for expenses next year."
The latest Ismea data also show a drop in prices caused by the low temperatures in northern Italy and Europe during week 16 and by the increase in supplies.
In Agrigento, the price of netted melons dropped by 65.8% compared to week 16 reaching €0.65/kg (-51.9% compared to week 17 in 2016). In Siracusa, they dropped by 79.1% compared to week 16 reaching €0.45/kg, i.e. -59.1% less than week 17 in 2016).
The first smooth melons were also harvested in Siracusa during week 16. According to Ismea, average prices at origin reached €0.65/kg (-45.8% compared to week 17 in 2016).