Feedback has been good so far. "Frost hit some area and a few heads were damaged, so they will most probably be destined to the processing industry. The produce grown between Lecce and Brindisi, which we are currently exporting, is doing well and quality is good."
Prices are in line with the previous season. "Quotations are anyway not profitable. Single heads sell at €0.45-0.55 on the domestic market and reach €0.75-0.80 abroad, but it depends on the single country and transport costs." The produce is usually sold in wooden crates holding between 25 and 30 heads.
The company also commercialises cauliflowers. "The cauliflower market is even worse. Prices hover around €4.00-4.50 for crates with 6 heads and are 50 cents more expensive for those with 8 heads. They are shipped to the Netherlands, Germany and Eastern Europe (Serbia, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Poalnd) together with Savoy Cabbage, kohlrabi and Roman cauliflowers."
Ro.Gr.An will attend Fruit Logistica 2018 (Berlin, 7th-9th February, Hall 4.2 - Stand A-05) where a cucumber variety typical of the Lecce area will be on display (in the photo below). "It is rather unknown and we have made a few test shipments during the past season for which feedback was very good. These cucumbers are different from those currently available on the market, as they are tastier. Harvesting is carried out from February onward."
This particular cucumber has a different name in every single municipality and the hope is to find a single name for it. "It would be easier to call it cetriolo salentino or cetriolo leccese."