"Our red chicory is in full bloom, they look like flowers," said Paolo Queruli from the La Rosa farm, located in Monselice (Padua). The harvest of the radicchio began in early October with the long, broad-leaved, narrow-leaved, round, Castelfranco radicchio, and sugarloaf chicory. On 18 November were also added La Rosa di Padova and, as of about a week ago, La Rosa del Veneto.
La Rosa del Veneto is a radicchio with a uniform and compact head, characterized by the same kind of leaves. The color is soft pink and has a non bitter taste compared to other varieties.
"It is a special product, for connoisseurs, of which we consider ourselves pioneers. Until a few years ago, this variety was not very much known. We are trying to promote greater awareness about this radicchio, there are good opportunities abroad as well, but this year Covid-19 is making all markets a bit difficult to reach. Because it is a unique reference, you must really appreciate it in order to buy this special red chicory. At the moment, we are recording the most important sales locally and in some national markets," said Queruli.
La Rosa del Veneto is available until April next year.
Reduced consumption, weak exports
"The radicchio market is currently facing more challenges than it has been in recent weeks when the demand exceeded the supply. Now we're in the middle of the season with almost all varieties, and even though yields this year are slightly lower than in previous seasons, the consumption has dropped, probably due to the corona virus," continued Queruli.
Since there is more choice, those who buy one variety, will not buy another. The root of the problem is staying alert because you expect something worse than what you are experiencing".
"Exports to Europe and other destinations outside the EU are slow. Combined with the effects of the coronavirus, this also affects domestic sales, which are unfortunately on a downward trend," concluded Queruli.
Contact
Az.Agr. La Rosa di Queruli Paolo
Via San Cosma 13/C
35043 Monselice (PD) - Italy
Phone.: +39 0429 784809
Fax: +39 0429 700886
Email: info@radicchiolarosa.it
Website: www.radicchiolarosa.it