The price of Italian greenhouse-grown melons of the SV5448ML variety is reaching 0.50 Euro per kilo and producers are not entirely happy about it. "The main problem is that the campaign has started at a very slow pace and with few sales," explains Cardillo. Meanwhile, Italy must also face strong competition from emerging countries, "especially countries in North Africa, where labour and production costs are generally much lower," adds Cardillo.
This Italian company has a total of 20 hectares planted, with a production of 1,500 tonnes per year; a figure that has remained stable in recent years. "We would like to increase our production little by little, but only in greenhouse cultivation," clarifies the representative of Agrovivaistica Cardillo. Of the total volume, 65% is exported to countries of northern and eastern Europe and the rest goes to the local market.
For more information:
Francesco Cardillo
Agrovivaistica Cardillo
Via S.Aniello 81050 Francolise (CE)
Tel.: +39 328 68 91 280