The harvesting of PGI potatoes from Sila is about to start and packaging will be carried out from mid-September onward, in line with previous years. Quality is exceptional thanks to a good summer characterized by mild temperatures.
"The warm weather in May and cooler temperatures in June have meant plants have grown quickly but have not suffered from drought. Production is in line with the past few years," reports Albino Carli (in the photo below), director of Consorzio Produttori Patate Associati (PPAS).
Albino Carli, director of the PPAS Consortium, during a company visit in October 2019.
The produce is placed mainly in small packets, meaning the consortium is careful to select acceptable grades. "Potatoes must be medium-sized and, this year, quality is excellent when it comes to both grades and organoleptic quality. It looks like it is going to be a good season, despite the heavy climate."
At the moment, there is a slight surplus of potatoes on the market, especially from areas without plans. "Producers that are not part of cooperatives or that do not have agreements in place might suffer a little, this year. As for us, our market share grows year after year, as PGI produce maintains good sale quantities and prices."
The area destined to the cultivation of PGI produce has been expanded in 2020.
"We went from 400 to over 540 hectares dedicated to PGI potatoes from Sila, i.e. +30%. This is due to the fact that the produce is much appreciated and that stocks finish earlier every year. The lockdown definitely favored our campaign, but we have currently returned to normal consumption levels. The H&R sector is still suffering, while supermarkets have gone back to normal. It is difficult to say what will happen now."
Carli believes the Coronavirus experience taught us that it is quite useless to make forecasts. "What Covid-19 taught us is that we need to be ready and flexible, we must seize opportunities not to be overwhelmed by change."
PPAS will take part in the first edition of Macfrut Digital (September 8th-10th 2020) organized by Cesena Fiera.
"You can find us in the production & commerce area. While a digital event is rather unusual, there is no alternative given the current situation. We are pleased to take part in it and, who knows, maybe it could give us a few ideas for the future."
Contacts
Consorzio Produttori Patate Associati Soc. Coop. Agr.
Via del Turismo 30 - Fraz. Camigliatello Silano
87058 Spezzano della Sila (CS)
Tel.: +39 (0)984 1636301
Fax: +39 (0)984 570568
Email: info@patateppas.it
Website: www.patateppas.it