The Italian grape season got going in Zoutewelle, the Netherlands, last week. The first Sicilian Black Magic grapes arrived. "The price of these black grapes are at around EUR4/kg," says Bertus Schipper.
"So, we are off to a good start. We also started with our first white grapes at the end of last week. Their quality is also good. With a price of EUR3,60/kg, prices are good too."
"Cultivation went well in Sicily. They were able to start early. It rained enough in the vineyards in Puglia. The supply from this region will, however, only begin in a few weeks," says Bertus.
"The advantage is that the grapes will arrive on a nearly empty market. There are Egyptian white grapes available, but this is the only alternative. The price level is at about EUR12/kg. Reasonable amounts of money can, therefore, be made too."
"I am looking forward with confidence to the coming weeks. The grapes are of good quality. Prices will, undoubtedly, drop a little, thanks to the larger supply. However, I do not expect this to be as extreme as last year," the importer continues.
"Then, enormous volumes were available at once. The price was on a downward spiral too. This year, there were slightly fewer flowers. So, the volume is expected to be somewhat lower."
"Demand is also good. In any case, for seeded blue grapes. But also for the red Red Magic grapes. We are expecting these at the end of next week. They are arriving at a good time. There are very few overseas Red Globe grapes available anymore," Bertus explains.
In Italy, supermarket suppliers, in particular, are focusing more on seedless varieties. Despite this, according to Bertus, some large growers also continue to focus on cultivating seeded grapes. They distinguish themselves in this way from the Spanish and Portuguese colleagues.
For more information:
Bertus Schipper
Zoutewelle
140 Handelsweg
2988 DC Ridderkerk, NL
Tel: +31 (0) 180 642 364
bertus.schipper@zoutewelle.com
www.zoutewelle.com