The drop in kiwi production in Emilia-Romagna should be of around 10%. The region is one of the leading producers after Lazio together with Piedmont and Veneto.
"The orchards destined for golden kiwis are increasing in our area too, as they are very popular with consumers and therefore more profitable. There are producers who are trying to introduce red kiwis as well, but they seem more sensitive to bacteriosis," explain Cia Ravenna President Danilo Misirocchi and Director Fabrizio Rusticali.
Autumn-winter fruit had to deal with spring frost, high temperatures and prolonged drought. "In our area, the trend is in line with the national one (downward), but is less serious: a contraction is expected (average estimate -17% for apples and and -10% kiwis compared to 2016), but is by no means as serious as in other areas producing apples (northern Italy or Poland) and kiwis (Lazio)."
Cia data confirmed what was already known: fruit production was abundant all over Italy in summer, with overlaps between the North and South, domestic and foreign productions, meaning prices dropped.
"Larger volumes include lower quality produce as well, which also had an effect on the negative prices at origin. In particular, hail and wind compromised approximately 30% of the fresh produce. The high temperatures sped up ripening and modified harvesting times leading to overlaps with southern Italy, Spain and Greece."
The average apricot production increased by 50% (65% for some varieties), with a drop in quotations between 40 and 50% compared to 2016 (€0.40-0.50/kg).
Production was average for peaches and nectarines. Prices at origin had an average quotation of €0.30/kg while, in 2016, average prices fluctuated between €0.70-1.50/kg. The situation in Romagna was disastrous.
Plums didn't do so bad: production dropped slightly with good quality but summer prices where half what they were in 2016. Consumers are increasingly interested in new apricot and cherry varieties.
Cherries are doing well in 2017: orchards have been expanding in the Ravenna province with average yields 50% higher than 2016. The summer apple and pear trend was satisfactory too.