The winter fennel production is doing well, so both producers and traders are pleased. This is because there was less produce available with regards of the average of the past few years and demand is hardly met.
"Quality is good while volumes are low. Producers are currently being paid, at least in my case, around 40 eurocents per kg for unprocessed produce loaded in bins," explains a wholesaler.
"I'm currently collecting fennel from Puglia. In some areas,the low temperatures have damaged part of the produce, but prices are good," reports another wholesaler.
Basilicata, Calabria and Puglia are the leading producer regions at the moment. There is also some produce available from Campania and the first volumes from Molise will be available soon.
"Transplants were below expectations due to the rain in autumn. This has led to losing considerable quantities, especially for harvests in January and February. We are now going back to normal, but volumes remain below demand."