A positive start of the week for a few clementine traders after a few difficult days when prices and consumption were really low. "We have noticed an increase in orders from various European countries - Poland, Ukraine, Germany and France in particular. This was due to the frost in Spain, which caused losses in many areas of the peninsula," reports Martucci, a company specializing in citrus fruit trade located in Massafra (Taranto).
"As the Spanish produce is lacking, many international buyers contacted Italian companies to source as many clementines as possible. Sales prices increased by €0.10/kg, thus reaching €0.60/kg (start price) for excellent spot-less fruits compared to the €0.50/kg of the past weekend."
"While it is true that 60-65% of the produce is still unsold in most areas, it is also true that only half of the clementines can be commercialized, as a lot of the fruits was damaged by the abundant rain. This problem is driving up harvesting costs, with the need for increased sorting in the fields and in processing facilities."