With the closure of the H&R channel, grapefruits are going through a difficult period. At the moment, wholesale prices hover between €1 and €1.30/kg (Bologna market) depending on quality and origin. The produce from Spain and Israel is more expensive than that from Cyprus.
Photo taken in a supermarket on March 13th, 2021
"Grapefruits are a secondary product in wholesale markets, as they are generally more popular in big retail chains. They were growing in the H&R channel, but the pandemic zeroed the orders," explains specialist Paolo Bernardi.
"Demand was not that strong before the pandemic either. The fruits come mostly from Spain, Israel, Turkey, Cyprus, South Africa and Florida, and there are also small production areas in Sicily. Over the past few years, Turkey and Cyprus have grown."
When the pandemic ends and tourism picks up, hotels and bars will start making orders again, as grapefruits are used in freshly-squeezed juices and extracts. Pink grapefruits have grown more than traditional ones over the past few years.
In the summer, fruits are imported from South Africa and Florida, although those from the US present peel imperfections at times.