The harvesting of the Tipo persimmon variety has just started in Emilia Romagna. The Apofruit Italia marketing manager Mirco Zanelli observed that the outlook is good for both the quality and the prices – this latter because there is a decrease in the quantity.
The manager stated, “The plants have fewer fruits compared to last years. But the fruits are bigger on average. Therefore, we are optimistic – also in light of the fact that Spain has had a decrease in the production. Some say that the decrease is even of 30%-40%. We are expecting a very positive campaign”.
Apofruit is developing the organic persimmon sector. Last year, demand increased, to the point that we marketed almost 400 tons of the Almaverde Bio brand. The principal market for both organic and traditional persimmons is Italy. The exports are mostly towards neighbouring countries, such as Switzerland and Austria – where there are Italian communities.
The general manager Ilenio Bastoni pointed out a bad practice that should be punished, “We have already seen people selling persimmons for a few weeks – which is way earlier than the usual. I suspect that some products were not grown regularly, perhaps using something forbidden. But anyway, our clients are not unprepared and they know which company is trustworthy for the delivering of quality persimmons”.
Marco Zanelli, marketing manager for Apofruit
Within a couple of days, the first Apofruit cell-ripening persimmon will be on sale. Because of the weather, some products have slight aesthetic imperfections which however do not affect the organoleptic quality at all.
The packaging is very important. The manager highlighted that the Tipo persimmon is mainly packaged in covered baskets with 2 or 4 fruits. They are covered because it is crucial for the safekeeping of the product and therefore much requested by GDO.
Info:
Apofruit Italia
Viale della Cooperazione, 400
47522 Cesena (FC)
Tel.: (+39) 0547 414111
Fax: (+39) 0547 414166
Web: www.apofruit.it