"Italian customers prefer the more elongated product of Morocco, which is even more competitively priced, to the Spanish round watermelon. Moroccan volumes are abounding and of good quality, therefore very attractive for the Italian market. However, with the beginning of the Sicilian season, the demand for foreign products is decreasing", said Giuseppe Iacovazzo, an Italian operator based in Spain, about the exchanges between our country and the Iberian one.
"In this period, there is more interest for apricots, peaches and nectarines. More specifically, flat peaches or Paraguayo peaches are registering a good commercial trend. Prices for stone fruit are quite high at the moment, but more volumes are expected," continued Iacovazzo.
The newest batches of oranges are available and there are buyers willing to pay something extra if the product is of high quality. As for the Spanish melon, the green Piel de Sapo is the most requested at the moment, as well as the Galia. The Iceberg lettuce is being sold at moderately cheap prices, because the quality and size of the head is somewhat below expectations.
Over the past 20 days or so, Spain has started the cherry season, but the weather has not favored the sales. "High quality cherries are in any case not exportable to Italy or other countries, as the rain has reduced their shelf life. Greater quantities of product and more resistant varieties are expected this week," explained the operator.
Italian imports underwent a sort of stop, but the situation was reversed last week. "The demand for Spanish products in Italy recommenced with Phase 2. As the businesses and tourism gradually reopen, there is likely to be an increase in interest."
Lastly, speaking of prices, Iacovazzo provided an overview on the current situation. "Spanish watermelons are quoted between 0.50 and 0.80 euro/kg, those from Morocco are around 0.60-0.65 euro/kg. Spanish peaches and nectarines are quoted 2 euro/kg and cherries are being sold at 5 euro/kg upwards. Apricots belonging to the extra category, also of Spanish origin, are around1.90 euro/kg."
"Prices are very good for the Spanish papaya. Iceberg lettuce is priced 3 euro per 10 heads per carton, while medlars – which are now at the end of the season - are showing a drop in prices. Finally, lemons are quoted at 0.60 euro/kg for a standard product," concluded the operator.