Italy: Table grape campaign starting at Giovanni Bellassai import-export

"Our campaign has officially started with the harvesting of the Victoria and Black Magic varieties from the vineyards near the sea. Some foreign importers told me there is still produce from South Africa, Chile and India on the European market, and the first shipments of Egyptian and Israeli grapes are expected during week 24. Sales are slightly improving as supply is decreasing. Prices are therefore increasing, though things have been rather calm in the past 25-30 days, also due to the weather," explains Lorenzo Bellassai (in the photo) from Giovanni Bellassai import-export in Mazzarrone (CT).

Lorenzo Bellassai.

"We're ready to start here in Sicily. The product is excellent with an average Brix level of 13-14. Volumes are limited at the moment - 70% will be white grapes and the rest will be black grapes. The first red grapes and the Palieri variety are expected for week 24."

Considering that summer fruit hasn't been going through a good period lately, Lorenzo is wondering how this will affect grapes. "Melons, watermelons, nectarines and apricots are suffering from the competition of the Spanish produce sold at 30-40 eurocents less. What we can do is reassure final consumers as regards the excellent quality of our productions."

Giovanni Bellassai.

40% of the first bunches will be destined to the foreign market (Netherlands and Germany), while the remaining 60% will be sold on the Italian market. "Due to the limited quantities currently available, we will sell our produce mostly in Italy. Then, when volumes increase, we will focus more on the foreign market."

Despite not having contacts with Canada, Lorenzo stresses how the reopening of this market could avoid the flooding of the European market. "It's a good thing for our sector although, after the Russian ban, we have partnered up with some of the leading importers from the Arab Emirates who have been purchasing increasing quantities of our produce."

Black Magic grapes.

"This year, we have started the procedure to obtain the organic certification. We expect to start selling organic grapes as of week 24."

Victoria grapes.

Victoria and Black Magic grapes will be available until week 34/35, then it will be the turn of the Italia, Red Globe and Palieri varieties while, from week 44/45, medium-late Black Pearl will become available. "We're hoping summer won't be too hot and humid. I would like to wish all operators good luck for the next season."

Black Magic grapes

Contacts:
Lorenzo Bellassai
Bellassai Giovanni
Viale del Lavoro
95040 Mazzarrone (CT)
Tel.: +39 (0)93329546
Cell.: +39 339 8638049
Email: lorenzobellassai@gmail.com
Web: www.giovannibellassai.it