Italian grapes are seemingly strong on the domestic market, after months of disappointing sales. The low demand due to hot temperatures in September/October and the not so profitable prices have labeled 2019 as one of the worst years for the marketing of grapes for many small-medium sized farms.
To better assess how the last cuts are progressing, we asked a producer from the province of Bari, Antonio Cantatore: "We registered a slight upturn in the last 20 days, but regarding prices the situation isn't getting any better. Prices have gone up by about €0.20/kg compared to a few weeks ago but because we are at the end of November, producers are hoping to make more of it. The average sales price in the field ranges between 0.75 and 0.85 €/kg, while on the markets it ranges between 1.40 to 1.70 €/kg, which is still lower than last year".
"On our side, we will be done harvesting this week. The most widely marketed grapes in this period are Italia and Black Pearl. In order to keep the product on the plant for as long as possible, the farmers are using natural materials such as citrus extracts, clays, etc. to prevent botrytis".
"On the whole, the last cuts could occur in the first decade of December. Producers do not seem very satisfied and most of the grapes have been sold. The supply is limited, and at the same time prices are not encouraging. This is one of the main reasons negotiations are still open to the best quotation and producers are hoping until the very last moment to be able to sell the product at cheaper prices."