"It is inevitable that a hot autumn like the one we are having now will have consequences in the business world. The unusual climate of these past few months has not only caused problems for plants and, consequently, for production, but has also influenced consumption and buyer preferences". This was reported by Rocco Viggiano, fruit and vegetable wholesaler at FE.VI. Frutta di Policoro (Matera), who adds: "The negative impact on the sales are mainly on vegetables, precisely because the high temperatures increase production."
"For example, instead of harvesting eggplants every 3-4 days in typical autumn season, a farmer will harvest every day (maximum every 2 days). All this causes increased volumes available in the markets and prompts a crisis."
"This means that, by the time the weather becomes colder, the plants will have already produced their quantities and probably we will have a shortage of vegetables. The prices of eggplants are so low that some farmers have decided to chop down the plants because they are not economically viable."
"A similar, but slightly better situation, prevails for courgettes, while for red and yellow peppers it seems that this problem affects them less, given their ability to stay on plants and delay the harvest. A few days ago we also started with citrus fruits, but temperatures above the seasonal averages are delaying the coloring of the fruit. Regarding clementines, prices dropped from 1.30 €/kg, to 1.00-1.10 €/kg".
"The situation is worse when it comes to grapes. It started out badly and keeps getting worse: we aren't receiving great interest for this fruit. For some varieties such as Italy, Red Globe, and Palieri, sales prices are around 0.80-1.00 €/kg, in spite of the fact it is a very good product".
"We hope for a climate change, so that production can revitalize, with a rise in consumption and prices. Our warehouses must indeed be full of products, but not congested".
Contact information:
FE.VI.FRUTTA S.R.L.
Via Bellini,10
75025 Policoro (MT)
Phone.: +39 0835 981256
Website: fevifrutta.it