Barletta reveals demand from Eastern European countries is increasing year after year. "When the Italian produce becomes available, they block imports from Spain. This is why the Spaniards are trying to by-pass us by establishing companies over there."
"Because of Spanish competition, we have gone from 99% of commercialisation on Italian platforms to 99% of sales abroad."
"Because of Spanish competition, we have gone from 99% of commercialisation on Italian platforms to 99% of sales abroad."
"Over this time, prices picked up considerably on the Eastern European market. For example: from €0.25-0.35 for small grades to all kinds of prices and quotations with profits of €0.42-0.43."
Commercialisation will be reduced further on a domestic level. "The situation in Italy is not ideal and people tend to prefer the Spanish produce. In addition, produce from Morocco has been invading our market since last year."
"We require more profitable prices as processing in our country is different than elsewhere. Costs are different, just like the product is. While Eastern Europe works will all grades, Italian demands focus on grades 1, 2 and 3."
The mood of producers is not the best. "Even though the season hasn't started yet, prices don't seem very satisfactory: €0.25 with a production cost of €0.20. I don't even want to imagine what will happen from 15th November onward, when the season will be in full swing."
According to Barletta, sector organisations and the Italian government should find a solution to promote the domestic citrus fruit production, which has a higher quality standard than other nations. "Still, Italians eat Spanish and Moroccan fruit while people abroad prefer the Italian produce."
Contacts:
Giuseppe Barletta - sales director
Email: g.barletta@goodfrutta.it
Good Frutta S.r.l.
C.da S. Nico - Via Marocco, 8
87064 Corigliano Calabro
Tel. +39 0983 80443
Web: www.goodfrutta.it