Italy: Bad year for strawberries in the south

2017 will be remembered as a terrible year for strawberries in central and southern Italy. The unexpected temperatures during winter, which reached -9/-10°C, stopped plant cycles, which restarted with productions similar to those of cold storage plants. Volumes were therefore concentrated in a small window.

"The situation was made worse by a peak in the Spanish production, leading to a drastic drop in prices. Growers had to choose whether to harvest below cost or not at all. Some varieties required daily harvesting, causing great labour problems. Operators have rarely had to deal with cold storage units filled with unsaleable produce," reports Viveros California.

The weather is changing and it's no longer true that good production in April is enough to make a profit. This year, due to the excessive produce, the fruit was even harvested in bins.

Marisol strawberries: excellent production despite the terrible year

Not all varieties were affected by the weather, as "the production of Marisol in Metaponto and Calabria remained constant. The variety is the only hope for growers who decided to plant it alongside other varieties," explain Mario and Marco Magnani from Mia Sas.

In Battipaglia, another variety commercialised by "Viveros California" as "Amiga" showed similar characteristics - photos taken at Ronca Gennaro showed greenhouse plants in full production. Amiga and Marisol are the only hope at this stage.

Greenhouse Amiga strawberries at Ronca Gennaro in Battipaglia

"At Viveros California, we believe diversification is important to prevent abnormal seasons from creating unmanageable situations with serious consequences for operators. A more regular production is therefore an important strategic element to take into consideration."

Amiga variety from Ronca Gennaro in Battipaglia

"In addition to these considerations, we are encouraged by the fact that many visitors at Macfrut appreciated Marisol strawberries. They agreed on the fact that its deep colour and shine are very attractive and that its flavour makes it unmistakable. We are very confident about the future, also thanks due to its long shelf-life."

Viveros California staff at Macfrut

The same can be said for the new San Rafael raspberry variety, as feedback was great and shelf-life also proved very long.

"We would like to thank all the people and companies who came to see us in Rimini as well as the large number of producers who decided to put their trust in us."

Contacts:
Mario Magnani
Tel.: +39 335 5614410
Marco Magnani
Tel.: +39 335 8250118
Email: mia.magnani@gmail.com