After a successful stone fruit season, which has now reached its peak, and which has led to production prices described as historic by some agricultural entrepreneurs, the Sicilian grape campaign continues on.
Marsello Lo Sardo
But if such excellent prices have been recorded for the stone fruit - around 1.50 euro producer price, due also to a 40% drop in yields, amplified by the lack of Spanish competition - the same thing cannot be said for table grapes, or at least up to now.
We are located in Canicattì (AG), in the very heart of the PGI-branded grapes area where the historical Italia variety grows, appreciated in the whole of Europe, as experts well know, because of its extraordinary organoleptic properties despite its seeds.
To take stock of the commercial and productive scenario, we met Marsello Lo Sardo from GB Italia, who spoke of the characteristics of the grapes from this season.
"This year we closed our early variety campaign, the Victoria grape, already in the first days of August - said the fruit grower - and, in the same month of August, the Italia variety was a few weeks ahead, thanks to favorable weather conditions. The rains in spring contributed to ensure perfect conditions for the grapes during their growth phase and, later on, the hot and dry climate of this summer, gave them sapidity and high sugar content. The Italia grapes in 2020 showed perfection in terms of production, with a brix degree of around 20."
"Unfortunately, in the post-Covid phase, the early varieties did not greatly interest consumers, and consequently prices were not very satisfactory - continued Lo Sardo. Later on, the excellent quality of the Italia variety was appreciated by the market, but not very keenly. The availability of a lot of mass-produced product has lowered the average price".
"Very little produce has ended up in the cellar (to be transformed in juice). With regard to the Italia variety, the average producer price is currently about 0.60 euro/kg. Thankfully, we are sensing an upward trend which should be achieved at the end of the promotions currently underway at international retailers, since by then, all batches of lower quality will be discarded, and only the best grapes will be left on the shelves. Another positive factor is that this year the Spanish market has opened earlier than in the past, leaving us with a wider commercial window."
The Spanish market provides trends on the commercial dynamics of Canicattì PGI grapes. The current campaign is certainly quite unusual and, beyond the Covid impact, it holds up well thanks to a good production. However, there is a need for entrepreneurs to debate on the sector with a broader vision, in order to transfer a greater value to the product.
Contact:
Gruppo Lo Sardo
C.da Impiso Giardinelli, sn.
92024 Canicatti (Ag) - Italy
Phone.: (+39) 0922 830731
Email: info@gbitalia.com
Website: http://gbitalia.com/