Italy: Truck drivers' strike affects fruit and vegetable export and prices

A prolonged and unauthorized strike by the Italian truck drivers is seriously damaging the whole fresh produce commerce in the country and abroad. The truck drivers are striking against the high fuel price, Italy has one of the highest fuel costs in Europe. According to the Truck Driver's union the support has been huge because of the number of Haulage companies on the point of going bust. The strikes are set to last the week. The middle and south of the country is mostly affected, while in the north the roads remain clear.

In Sicily, where the strike begun January 16th 2012, a total amount of 35.000 MT vegetables, including all tomatoes varieties, courgettes, aubergines, peppers, etc., has been lost, due to the inability to transport it.

Until now, the economical damage for 3.500 growers and 500 agricultural firms in Sicily is estimated in 50 mln Euro. Many Italian and foreign buyers have switched orders to other origins, as Greece, Spain (+30% imported produce) and so on.

Consumer prices for all kind vegetables increased 10-15%.

Interviewed by FreshPlaza, an Italian exporter says: "The situation is very serious and it happens just now when a slowing of our activity was already in the air, because of the general crisis, the strange weather conditions, the lack of organization amongst the Italian firms, the greater competitiveness of foreign produce, such as Greek kiwis, Polish apples, Spanish vegetables".

According to a Dutch salad importer the price of lettuce has doubled from 0.50 to 1.00 Euro. Prices of winter vegetable are expected to remain stable however.

Produce from Greece is still getting through and increase has been seen in the demand for Greek kiwis.