Pgi Mazzarrone grapes exported to 4 continents

"The quality and quantity of Sicilian table grapes during the 2018 campaign are in line with last year," explained Gianni Raniolo, entrepreneur and president of one of the leading Pgi table grapes consortia in Europe, that of Mazzarrone. The area produces prestigious table grapes requested by 4 different continents.

Gianni Raniolo

"During the first phase, i.e. June, we harvested the Victoria and Black Magic varieties (approx. 30 tons per hectare in greenhouses). Quality was good but Brix levels weren't that high due to the low temperatures and rain in June."

Emerging markets

"The main markets in addition to the domestic one are the Arab countries. Operators require most of the produce to be shipped in containers. At the moment, we're working with both white and black seedless grapes and our main markets are: Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Arab Emirates and Dubai. We're also interested in Canada, US and Sri Lanka".

What is more, the produce has now reached sub-Saharan countries.

Victoria grapes

"Cameroon, for example, is starting to require our table grapes and so is Nigeria. Both countries are interesting and they actually prepay transactions."

Problems caused by the Russian ban

"European markets such as France, Belgium, Switzerland and Austria are also doing well, as they consume seeded yellow grapes with high sugar levels, similar to what required on the Italian market. Germany this year has been requiring low-priced seedless grapes from North Africa. Unfortunately we're still suffering from the negative consequences of the Russian ban, as the market now sources produce from India, Egypt and other producer countries."

Contacts:
Gianni Raniolo
Consorzio di Tutela dell'Uva da Tavola di Mazzarrone Igp
Tel.: +39 331 675 0611
Email: uvaigpmazzarrone@libero.it