The harvesting of Victoria grapes is ending in Sicily while that of the Italia variety is just starting. Other varieties with significant importance on an international level are also cultivated.
Gianni Raniolo
We talked to one of the leading experts in the sector, Gianni Raniolo (president of Consorzio dell'Uva da Tavola di Mazzarrone Igp) for an assessment of the regional situation as well as of the international dynamics regulating this specific sector.
"The production of Victoria grapes started in May with excellent volumes and quality. Wholesale prices remained rather interesting until early July despite the fact that produce from Egypt was also available. The drop registered in July, however, lasted throughout the month."
North-African grapes have affected the Euro-Mediterranean market but they don't seem to have caused any problems on the Middle-Eastern one, at least for what concerns grapes from Mazzarrone.
"This year too, we have sent a good percentage of our exports to those Arab countries that enjoy Sicilian grapes due to their exceptional quality. We ship not only Victoria but red varieties such as Red Globe (available until late November) as well. In October, we will prepare a few quantities for storage, so we can supply supermarkets until December. Our inclination towards marketing and communication means we can sign important agreements. For example, we also ship grapes to Canada, Brazil, Uruguay, etc."
North-African grapes have affected the Euro-Mediterranean market but they don't seem to have caused any problems on the Middle-Eastern one, at least for what concerns grapes from Mazzarrone.
"This year too, we have sent a good percentage of our exports to those Arab countries that enjoy Sicilian grapes due to their exceptional quality. We ship not only Victoria but red varieties such as Red Globe (available until late November) as well. In October, we will prepare a few quantities for storage, so we can supply supermarkets until December. Our inclination towards marketing and communication means we can sign important agreements. For example, we also ship grapes to Canada, Brazil, Uruguay, etc."
As regards the Italia variety, this year it has been affected by the heat and drought and ripened too early. This is also why the Consortium started a promotional campaign with the leading national and foreign retailer chains.
In this video, Raniolo explains how drought affected vineyards in Sicily
"This year, Italia grapes have a bright colour with a sugar level of over 20° Brix. Quality is good, but its characteristics make it unsuitable for exports as it wouldn't be able to withstand the long trips we mentioned above. We prefer to sell it on a domestic and European level so we can guarantee its shelf-life."
In this video, Raniolo explains how drought affected vineyards in Sicily
"This year, Italia grapes have a bright colour with a sugar level of over 20° Brix. Quality is good, but its characteristics make it unsuitable for exports as it wouldn't be able to withstand the long trips we mentioned above. We prefer to sell it on a domestic and European level so we can guarantee its shelf-life."