"If we consider the price of Sicilian peppers during three intervals (28th October 2013 - 29th November 2013 - 7th December 2013), we can see how it hovered around €0.70 per kilo in October, increased in November and stabilised at €0.90 per kilo in December."
Three-quarter King F1 red peppers.
As regards peppers from Almería, four intervals were examined (18th October 2013 - 28th October 2013 - 20th November 2013 - 29th November 2013). "The price hovered around €0.60 per kilo at the beginning of October, then it increased by €0.10 on 28th October only to drop on 20th November due to a hailstorm. The price then stabilised at little more than €0.70 per kilo on 29th November."
Karlone F1 long yellow peppers.
Southern Seed interviewed some local pepper producers for some comments on the commercial season.
Two companies were contacted - F.lli Salsetta in Vittoria and Azienda Porrello Calogero in Licata. The former cultivates Karlone F1 yellow peppers whereas the latter grows King F1 red peppers.
Mr. Luca Salsetta (owner of the company) with brother Mirko Salsetta.
The seed company reports that both varieties are excellent production-wise and that fruits are sweet with a thick and compact flesh. The size of Karlone F1 peppers can reach 800 grams, whereas King F1 can set well even with high temperatures.
F.lli Salsetta say that "the Karlone F1 variety was a real surprise in terms of both production and quality. Plants develop in a way that enables extended harvesting and react well to low temperatures. In addition, the fact that fruits weigh a lot meant we could increase productivity."
Karlone F1 (long yellow peppers) are very much appreciated for their size and, at the same time, they offer many advantages for growers. "After having tried them, we can say that these are top yellow peppers, and therefore we intend to cultivate them again," conclude the Salsetta brothers.
Azienda Porrello Calogero provides a feedback for King F1 (three-quarter red pepper), a.k.a. "The king of warm weather", as it can set even with high temperatures.
Left to right: Giombattista Proietto (Southern Seed Srl), Mr. Calogero Porrello (owner of Azienda Porrello) and Mr. Agostino Cantavenera (Southern Seed Srl agent for the Agrigento province).
Calogero Porrello teamed up with Campo Verde Srl (Licata), a company which sells various vegetables both in Italy and abroad. Campo Verde states that "we have achieved excellent results with King F1, as it provides the perfect balance between production and high quality."
Both companies would like to thank Southern Seed for introducing them to these excellent varieties, which enabled to obtain margins that convinced them to carry on growing them.
Left to right: Mr. Agostino Cantavenera (Southern Seed Srl agent for the Agrigento province), Mr. Calogero Porrello (owner of azienda Porrello) and two cooperators.
Southern Seed managers declared that "Sicily seems to be reacting well to the crisis. We encourage growers, retailers and nursery gardeners to invest in research and be passionate about horticulture."
Contacts:
Southern Seed Srl
Via Carlo Alberto, 124
97019 Vittoria (RG)
Tel./fax: (+39) 0932 861054
Email: info@southernseed.it
Web: www.southernseed.it