At the national level, the estimated yellow and green kiwi production is 18% higher than that of 2017. Therefore, it comes back to a slightly standard level, even though significantly far from the actual Italian potential.
According to an operator, some areas may produce less both in terms of quantity and quality, “Additionally, there is not the same interest on a commercial level as for the last campaign in the same period. Indeed, the prices are completely different. Due to the product coming from the Southern hemisphere and the resulting company strategic choices, the commercial campaign of the green kiwi could be delayed.
In Italy, the season of the yellow and the Green Light (early green) kiwis has already started. “The quantity of yellow kiwi has increased or stayed mostly stable. It is different from the green kiwi situation. The Green Light – an Italian excellency – overlaps with the foreign product, which does not represent a fair commercial mix”.
“As of now, companies in Southern Italy are expecting a slightly lower yield for the green variety. However, this will not affect the national data at all.” In Calabria, a region that mostly produces citrus fruits, there are some small producers that told to FreshPlaza they are opting for kiwifruit as it seems more profitable".
The climate is still warm in the South. Hence, there is not the thermal excursion necessary for the harvesting of the green kiwi. Thus, there should be a slight delay this year.
The operator concludes, “The competition has increased. Because of the urge to start the commercial campaign, some are selling a not adequately ripe product, thus creating more damage than benefit”