"The harvesting of greenhouse apricots started well over a week ago in Puglia, while the first Mogador fruits were harvested in Calabria on 7th May 2018," reports Vincenzo Malagrinò from Fruttone Srl.
"The bad weather in late February-early March affected apricot production on a national level, as blossoming trees lost all their first flowers. Luckily, we were somewhat spared in the Sibari plain. We have good quantities and are confident about good remuneration."
"Thanks to a new producer partner, this is our first year commercialising apricots. It's a new challenge and we're expecting a good year. We have started with the Mogador variety and will continue with Pricia, Rubista, Orange Rubis, Vitillo, Lady Cot and Kioto."
In the meantime...
Italian retailers are selling Spanish apricots for as much as €6.90/kg. It's understandable that producers wonder why Spanish companies are paid well while prices drop when the domestic produce becomes available.
"Our produce is shipped mainly to Austria, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Denmark. Us and our clients are equipped for everything, even logistics-wise. We work according to pre-arranged schedules with retail chains, and receive weekly orders from wholesalers."
Valencia orange campaign started at Fruttone
People tend to think more about apricots rather than citrus fruit with the summer season.
"If we bear in mind that citrus fruit is considered refreshing, what better way to face the July and August heat? The citrus fruit campaign has been positive so far and things are looking good for Valencia oranges as well. Prices should be fair for producers, traders and final clients."