Italy - unusual grape season

This year's Italian table grape season is quite unusual. "It is still becoming increasingly difficult. We find ourselves in a phase of low demand compared to previous seasons. Prices are also disappointing. The current grapes are more than good enough, quality-wise. The late Victoria is always more suitable since these are cultivated in a protected environment." This is according to Lorenzo Bellassai of Giovanni Bellassai Srl, from Mazzarrone, Italy. The company is starting the season with the Red Globe and Red Magic too. They also have limited volumes of seedless grapes.

The Victoria and Black Magic will be on the market until August. "Then it is the Italian varieties, which are of excellent quality's, turn. We are in the last stages of ripening now. We had major wind damage in the winter. But, the sun is shining again, and we have now begun working again", says Lorenzo.

One of the reasons for the low demand for grapes is the weather. "Last week Monday looked like a typical autumn day. We had continuous rain and temperatures of 16°C. Now it looks like summer is here and temperatures have climbed to 35-36°C. The grapes' Brix level is at about 16. We have not yet begun with exports to overseas regions. This is because of the low demand and changing supply. We export to a few supermarkets in Poland, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. The demand from Germany has, unfortunately, plummeted", Lorenzo continues.

There are still Egyptian grapes on the overseas markets. These are being sold at bargain prices. There are also still Chilean Red Globes that are going for less than €1 per kg. "All the grapes that are currently on the market are the same", he says. "Consumers seem to have very little interest in the origin of the grapes. Local Italian grapes are now coming onto the market. This product is, therefore, at risk of a devaluation. The local grapes are, however, definitely fresher than those imported from other countries."

The grapes from Apulia are also causing pressure to build. "In the south, the season began about 20 days earlier than expected. This is another reason why there is such a low demand for our grapes. We are talking about at least 30% lower than last season. We also need to take Apulia's logistical advantage over us into account. This translates into 5 or 6 cents. However, at the moment, our grapes are better in terms of quality and taste", Lorenzo says.

For more information:
Lorenzo Bellassai
Tel.: +39 (0) 339 863 8049
Giovanni Bellassai Srl
Viale del Lavoro
95040 Mazzarrone (CT)
Email: lorenzobellassai@gmail.com
Web: www.giovannibellassai.it