Raffaele Bucella, Italian market manager for Granfrutta Zani, reports that the stone fruit market is at a standstill with prices below expectations, though things might improve.
"Grades are small due to the weather, but it may not only be the fault of the weather in May, as maybe we thinned too little. As a system, we should rethink the strategies we use and focus ore on high-quality. It is a fact that markets pay more for larger grades, so we need to combine the right varieties with good agronomic techniques and effective thinning."
Pruning must also not be underestimated. As for apricots, operators are now harvesting the Cot group, which seems to have an excellent flavor.
"The prices of apricots, peaches and nectarines are not profitable, but we are hoping that they will increase over the next few days when quality and grades will improve. We are rather worried at the moment."
Unfortunately the weather in May slowed down ripening in all areas. Then temperatures increased all of a sudden and all varieties started ripening at the same time, meaning they are no longer staggered.
Contacts:
OP Granfrutta Zani
Via Monte Sant'Andrea
48018 Granarolo Faentino (RA)
Tel.: (+39) 0546 695211
Fax: (+39) 0546 41775
Email: buc@granfruttazani.it
Website: www.granfruttazani.it