The wholesale price of peppers increased a lot in the past week. Luigi Battisti from Loffredo Stella explained that "there is little produce from Spain on the market due to a drop in production."
"Eastern Europe markets win most of the auctions in Spain, as demand grew for all varieties."
In Italy, the only local produce is the late Sicilian one, so prices increased.
"Prices per kg of extra-quality Spanish red and yellow peppers hover between €2.20-2.50/kg. Green ones, mainly of the California variety, are sold at €1.60-1.80. The price of Sicilian peppers is 20 cents cheaper per kg than the Spanish produce."
"Dutch peppers are becoming available. Quality is different and they are much appreciated for their shelf-life. Prices hover between €3.20-3.50/kg and should stabilise over the next few weeks. For the market to stabilise, prices should drop by €50-60 cents per kg."