After several weeks of downtrend in sales, watermelons are now on the rise, because of higher temperatures. However, we cannot provide any positive feedback yet - explained Raffaele Bucella, sales director for the Italian market at Granfrutta Zani.
"We pioneered the idea of mini watermelons about twenty years ago," said Bucella, "and we now have a well-established experience. Because of rather low temperatures and an adverse climate in June, the market was actually characterized with an excess of product. We refused to sell at certain prices, because it is a high quality product, guaranteed by our supply chain, that we don't want to undersell".
In the last few days, thanks to the higher temperatures, sales have increased again. "But we still can't say prices have reached their usual rate, only that it’s selling more than before. The request is greater. Our mini watermelons are characterized by a high Brix grade and the entire supply chain is guaranteed by the Solatia brand."
With regard to retail channels, Italian and foreign large-scale retailers are increasing their orders, while in the wholesale markets Zani is not handling large volumes. If temperatures remain high, it is likely that sales will gradually increase. Solatia mini watermelons are available from the end of May and will continue until early September.
Bucella added that they are about to enter in two crucial months regarding summer fruit. "So far we have compensated for the lack of product, such as stone fruit in southern Italy's production, but July and August are full of uncertainties. In our area, that is the province of Ravenna, we have suffered a loss of 90% of the product and some branded products will also suffer strong declines."
Contact:
OP Granfrutta Zani
Via Monte Sant'Andrea
48018 Granarolo Faentino (RA)
Phone.: (+39) 0546 695211
Email: buc@granfruttazani.it
Website: www.granfruttazani.it