Temperatures have not stabilised, summer is not here yet and consumers are not buying summer fruit. Melons and watermelons have low prices while potatoes and artichokes have a more stable trend.
Caab Bologna
This is what emerged when we talked to an operator from the Centro agroalimentare di Bologna. "Sales are slow and prices are below expectations. Average temperatures remained low until a few days ago, so I believe consumers will take another 4-5 days before they understand summer is finally coming," explains Renzo Mainetti.
"Anyway, typical summer products such as melons and watermelons are not doing great. Which is a shame, because greenhouse watermelons from Sicily have an excellent quality. The market, however, is destabilised by the Spanish and Greek produce, which I believe is not up to standard in most cases."
New potatoes are doing better. Even though prices are not amazing, the trend is positive. Potatoes from Sicily and Puglia are available in Bologna.
Artichokes have had a stable trend as well, with satisfactory prices depending on the quality of the produce.
As regards peaches and nectarines, fruit from southern Italy and Spain is available on the market but consumption is slow and prices are dropping.
For what concerns cherries, the open-field Bigarreau variety had shelf-life problems, while the fruit grown under nets has a better quality. "We are hoping that temperatures will increase so as to push Duroni sales next week."