The table grape campaign is going exactly as expected. Having good produce has not helped sales so far and, with prices that remain variable (although slightly higher this year), producers and traders struggle.
Op APOC, which gathers 131 companies covering 1,910 hectares and boasts a turnover that reached €30 million in 2018 (2.8 million in 2010), reports the same situation.
"This is all due to the low demand, we cannot understand why we cannot sell. There is a lot of produce available, many producers are currently storing the best produce for the festivities and in case things pick up, though we do not know if they will," explains Teresa Diomede, CEO of Azienda Agricola Racemus and partner of Op APOC.
"Quality is very high for all varieties as there was no rain or morning fog."
The Uvitaly brand was established in 2011 and certifies that products comply with precise characteristics in terms of grading, color and Brix level. The fruit is of high-quality and is grown in a suitable area by specialized producers who aim at mitigating the impact of agricultural activities on the environment.
"So far, the feedback for certified Uvitaly table grapes has been great. We cannot commercialize all our produce under this brand, but we keep sponsoring it through actions and initiatives aimed not only at growers but at a wider public," explains Rosario Ferrara, director coordinator of Op APOC.
"The last two initiatives were the Semi d'uva-Società x Azione project, supported by Associazione Nazionale Donne dell'Ortofrutta and sponsored by the Olympia basketball team."
Everyone is hopeful when it comes to branded grapes, but things are still difficult. "We are working hard on it and our strategy includes taking part in international fairs such as Fruit Attraction in Madrid."
"The Spanish fair takes place when the grapes campaign is in full swing, which is perfect for us as we can meet clients and assess the market situation in real time as well as any measure that must be taken."
An Op APOC delegation will attend Fruit Attraction (Madrid, 22nd-24th October 2019) inHall 3-Stand 3F01.
Contacts:
Op APOC
Via R. Wagner K1 (P.co Arbostella)
84131 Salerno
Tel.: +39 089 331758
Website: www.apocsalerno.it