Despite the positive start to the table grape season, with exports up 15% over last year, the Apulian company Plantis Group is facing a difficult decision: Whether to end exports to the Baltic and Scandinavian countries ahead of schedule.
© PLANTIS di D’Angelo Liliana
"Although operations typically cease during the last ten days of November, we anticipate concluding the season by the end of this week. This early stop will offset the volumes achieved so far. Although the campaign went well and there was strong demand for Apulian seedless grapes in Europe until mid-October, the last two weeks have been problematic," says Claudio D'Alba, the CEO of the Plantis Group in Taranto.
According to the manager, the quality issues are now clear to everyone, and the main problem is the short shelf life. "There are no prerequisites for moving forward. The expected shelf life is not being met. Adverse weather conditions in the production areas, characterized by heavy rainfall, morning fog, and high humidity, have compromised the quality of the grapes. Quality problems are not immediately apparent in the field or cellar. They become visible on the shelf within two or three days. To address this critical situation, we are reducing our output volumes. In fact, we are making efforts to load as little as possible so that we can provide quality products to everyone."
Considering the risks to the goods and the market, the CEO is adamant about the next approach. "It would be wise to stop now so as not to jeopardize the progress we've made. The foreign market is already reacting by quickly switching to grapes from overseas."
 © PLANTIS di D’Angelo Liliana |  © PLANTIS di D’Angelo Liliana |
© PLANTIS di D’Angelo LilianaThe new vegetable season is off to a good start
The company has not yet reached its peak season. Buyers are evaluating products from Southern Europe. We have begun shipping limited quantities of broccoli, tomatoes, cauliflower, dill, and parsley to Scandinavia, the Baltic region, and France. We expect goods from other parts of Europe to run out soon, making Southern Europe an attractive hub for foreign operators. There are still two weeks until the beginning of the busiest phase of the season."
For more information:
Plantis Group
Piazza Ebalia, 1
74123 Taranto - Italy
+39 99 4521842
[email protected]
www.plantis.it
