The fennel market in Italy has has faced three tough months. Prices are low and operators are struggling to make ends meet. Marco Babbi of Italy's Caligari&Babbi described the situation.
"Every growing area has reached 100% of its production potential. There have been no shortages and this has led to large quantities released on the market. On the other hand, there are sales problems due to the pandemic. So it's not because of the quantities, but there are fewer sales channels and consumption is lagging behind."
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There is no shortage of quality, but there is a lack of 0.10 cents per kg that would compensate the entire supply chain, from farmers to transporters. "Sometimes it would take very little to make ends meet, and if consumers paid 10 cents more per kg, as they normally do, I don't think it would affect their weekly shopping expenses," explained Babbi.
Vittorio Caligari and Marco Babbi
Currently, the fennel harvest in southern Italy is coming to an end and Caligari&Babbi is moving the harvest more towards the middle of Italy. In a few weeks, plantings will start in Romagna.
"Fruits and vegetables have an intrinsic value that comes from research, cultivation, respect for the environment, business ethics, packaging, logistics, additional services. All this determines the price. If you don't have this concept in mind, you run the risk of having to fight for a few pennies. And believe me, nobody benefits from that," concluded Babbi.
For more information: 
Caligari & Babbi srl
Via Pietà , 77
Savignano su Rubicone (FC)
+39 0541 942599
commerciale@ortofruttacaligari.com
www.finocchioitaliano.com