Producers who are part of the agricultural food chain are usually rather optimistic in the days prior to a festivity, as consumption tends to increase, as do the prices of most of the products.
Although Easter has passed, the increase in sales could go on for another week, considering the bank holidays of 25th April and 1st May.
FreshPlaza talked to Rocco Viggiano, legal representative of FE.VI. Frutta, a wholesale activity in Policoro (MT), about the current situation.
"The festivities meant the market picked up. Strawberries were the most popular product and prices were much higher than in the past few weeks, when quotations dropped due to a series of circumstances."
"At Easter, we commercialized over 50 tons of strawberries a day and the Candonga variety represented 80% of the volumes. We have supplied the markets and various H&R channels with over 40 tons/day of Candonga Top Quality® strawberries sold at €3.00/kg compared to the 10 tons/day of the other varieties sold at €2.30/kg."
"We are ready to start with the apricot campaign. The first quantities grown in greenhouses will be available in around one week's time, then it will be the turn of peaches and nectarines, followed by late varieties grown in uncovered orchards."
"The commercialization of broad beans was also lively with prices hovering around €0.80/kg. Dried fruit also saw an increase in consumption, especially when it came to walnuts, pistachios and peanuts."
The reopening of wholesale markets after Easter Monday can be fluctuating though, this year, "we started off great. Markets all over Italy sold most of the produce for Easter and required new volumes before the bank holiday of April 25th. The same goes for hotels and restaurants."