"The kaki production industry is subdivided into varieties with soft flesh and others with firm flesh. Among the firm-pulp ones, the latest addition is kaki Maxim®, a cultivar that is arousing interest and curiosity not only among farmers, but also among buyers, because its harvesting can be carried out in advance in the earliest days of September", explained Aldo Gallo, general manager of Comercial Gallo in Massafra (Taranto), the only dealer for this variety in Italy.
"We are receiving excellent feedback from producers in terms of plant growth, size and marketability. The plant adapts very well in our areas. The production fields remain low: the highest concentration of hectares is in Puglia, in the province of Taranto, but 2020 will mark a turning point. New plants are scheduled to go live in Emilia and Veneto, starting next February. It's a young project, that involves 500 hectares throughout the peninsula.
There are no other early varieties with the same characteristics of Maxim®. This seedless product, with an average weight of 250/300 grams, fears no competitors on the market: for this reason, it fetches a better sales price.
While other varieties need to undergo certain agronomic post-harvest operations, where the product completes it maturation in cold storage, Maxim® ripens entirely on the plant and can be eaten directly on-site, reducing waste and post-harvest expenses.
While Comercial Gallo seeks and manages varieties with commercial potential, it also aims to encourage them as an opportunity for those who want to diversify their production or extend their commercialization period, an important requirement to stay competitive on European markets.
Contact and information:
Comercial Gallo Srl
Sp 103 c.da Furnoli
74016 Massafra (TA)
Phone: (+39) 335 5332359
Email: info@comercialgallo.com
Website: comercialgallo.com