The harvesting of red-peeled sweet potatoes officially started in late August in the Castellaneta and Laterza area (Taranto). "We are in line with the past seasons, despite the fact that the produce was ready already in mid-August," explains company owner Michelangelo Loizzi.
The producer does not talk much about commercialization and prices yet. "Organic produce prices are usually slightly higher, but there is strong competition from Spain and Egypt. The shelf-life, uniformity and grades of the Italian produce are superior, but prices do not reflect the value."
Sweet potatoes from Puglia are also sent to Germany, Austria and Switzerland. "They know the product and consume a lot of it."
Sweet potatoes remain a niche product in Italy. "We are not expecting that the peak in potato consumption that occurred during lockdown will have a positive effect on the commercialization of our potatoes, but people still have to eat," concludes Loizzi.
Contacts
Michelangelo Loizzi
Az. Agr. Loizzi Michelangelo
Cell.: +39 335 1590831
Email: loizzimichelangelo@gmail.com