"I was in Sicily when the harvesting of the first grape bunches started and I cannot say that the general delay blocked operators. Blossoming occurred at different levels in vineyards and this means the product will be different at first," explains Claudio Romano (in the photo below), sales manager for Romaneuro.
On a commercial level, exporters seem to be careful and are not just purchasing produce for the sake of it. "When operators buy produce too early, they purchase a project that will be ready, not the product itself. Assessments must include quantities to purchase, otherwise the price may be higher than what it actually is on the market."
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Seedless grapes of Italian origin destined to England, France and Denmark.
Romaneuro is currently commercializing at least three or four different brands. "Seedless grapes of Italian origins, the only available at the moment, have already been shipped to England, France and Denmark. But we have also shipped produce by air to the Middle East."
"Prices at the end of May 2019 have remained high, just like last year, despite having started around 10 days early. The delay did not affect prices and volumes are still limited. 5-10% of Sicilian producers and exporters have started their campaign."
According to the operators, Puglia should start by the end of June with the Black Magic variety, followed by white grapes in early July.
"We may be able to start a few days earlier if the weather stabilizes."