The limited supply of greenhouse basil has led to a satisfactory situation. Demand is good also for celery, which is registering high prices. The lettuce campaign has been disastrous due to the sudden temperature change and to the drop in sales.
"As regards celery, demand is good and prices started going up a few weeks ago. The green varieties range between €0.70 and €0.90 and will continue like this for a while. The white varieties range between €1.10 and €1.20. The produce is grown in Fondi and Sperlonga and it is sent abroad as well as to the domestic markets. The produce is also available pre-cut and bagged, such as the one sent to the Czech Republic," explains Michele Conti from OP Copla in Fondi.
"Temperatures have dropped again over the past few days, affecting the vegetable market especially when it comes to lettuce. Local production has started in Verona and Mantua and producers bring their produce directly to markets in northern Italy, where our produce is also available. Compared to us, though, they have fewer expenses (think about transport costs) and we find it difficult to keep up."
"In addition, the temperature changes have also led to overlapping transplants, so there is more produce ready to be harvested. We are working with Italian retail chains and also export bagged lettuce, but things are hard. For example, the foreign countries prefer 300-350 g Trocadero heads but the hot temperatures of the past few days and the slow sales have led growers to leaving the produce in the fields. Has a consequence, heads now weigh 500 g and are not suitable to be exported."
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As regards basil, greenhouse quantities are limited, so "sales are easier. Basil is sold on a domestic level at around €3 per crate."
"For this product as well as for other bagged lettuce heads, we have launched our new Freschezza Contadina brand."