"Although the Canary yellow campaign will not end until October with a slight recovery in prices, we are focusing on summer table grapes," reports Antonio Morreale, administrator of Bio Hortus, a company producing fresh produce in Palma di Montechiaro (AG), southern Sicily.
Calogero Celona, Antonio Morreale and Lillo Vella
"We are commercializing red and white table grapes, which started to be harvested in early August after the end of the Victoria early grapes campaign. We wanted to provide continuity to our Italian and European big retail clients. Italia grapes are particularly popular in France, but Germany and Poland have started to appreciate them too. The rediscovery of the nutritional properties of grape pips plays to our advantage and helps us stand out in a sea of seedless grapes."
Italia grapes
Italia grapes redevelops muscat flavor
"Quality has been exceptional, especially for the Italia variety, as it finally redeveloped its classic muscat flavor after years characterized by organoleptic problems."
Zucchini
Commercialization
"As for the commercial part, the trend seems to be the same as that of early grapes, i.e. prices below expectations. The average production price so far has been €0.80/kg, but we are expecting things to improve. Considering the color of these grapes and their sugar level (never below 17°Brix), it would be a pity for the produce not achieve what it deserves, especially after two negative years," revealed Morreale.
Bell peppers
Bio Hortus is also planning the fall-winter vegetable campaign. Zucchini and bell peppers have already been planted. The harvesting of dark green zucchini will start in around a month's time, while bell peppers will be harvested and commercialized starting from mid-October.
Contacts:
Bio Hortus Società Coop. Agricola
Contrada Senia Albanazzi Snc
92020 Palma di Montechiaro (AG)
Tel.: +39 0922963737
Email: biohortus@libero.it
Website: www.biohortusag.com