Tourists always appreciate coconuts sold on the beach and this fruit reaches the height of its popularity during summer. The Riviera Romagnola is mostly supplied by Ortomercato di Cesena. The segment is managed by Michele Castrogiovanni.
Ortomercato coconuts at the Cesena wholesale market
"The produce comes from the Ivory Coast and we purchase it from a supplier. July and August are the busiest months as the entire Riviera Romagnola requires it. In addition to greengrocer's, the nuts are also sold directly on the beach. Many get their stock from us and sell it sliced to tourists."
It may seem strange, but coconuts are actually stone fruit. The nut is actually a seed. We interviewed Michele Castrogiovanni on Thursday July 13th and, at the time, the wholesale price was approximately €1.30-1.50/kg. For coconuts too, prices vary depending on grade. The fruit comes from Africa in sacks and Ortomercato places it in crates to sell it more easily.
On the beach, the coconut piece in the photo below was purchased for €2 (14th July 2017 in Pinarella, Ravenna).
This piece of coconut was purchased for €2 on the beach
Ivory Coast was the main coconut provider last year too, and usually supplies the most prestigious produce.