In Sicily, zucchinis are harvested 10 months a year as the various varieties adapt to varying soil and weather conditions as well as to different production times.
We talked about it with Nunzio Agnello, manager of a well-known company producing and commercializing fresh produce.
Nunzio Agnello
"We're currently producing zucchini in tunnels, greenhouses and open fields. The latest cultivation method has dropped in popularity since 2015 due to the New Delhi virus, a pathogen that has hit various areas in southern Italy affecting 60% of the harvest."
New resistant varieties are currently being studied to reintroduce zucchini to south-western Sicily. Seed companies are in fact focusing on new varieties that are not affected by the pathogen.
Zucchinis have a very fluctuating market
"The zucchini market is very difficult to predict as, in addition to virus problems, the vegetable is susceptible to weather conditions. Yields drop when it's cold, making prices increase. In addition, quotations fluctuate throughout the season. Just think that the price of Ispica in early September was €0.70 and dropped to €0.30 towards September 24th."
Cut down on packaging
"To reduce packaging costs, many supermarkets are cutting down on packaging, eliminating trays and flow packs. Two or three zucchinis are simply bound together with a strip reporting all essential data."
Non-invasive packaging
The hope of a producer
"As a producer, I hope we'll find a solution to the New Delhi virus soon and that retailers start to recognize the added value of Italian productions."