For the Italian green kiwi, the market is reaching its peak. The year was characterized by low quantities and demand was accompanied by a high price. From March to May, specialist growers have been springing into action, with their know-how and skills, to provide a high quality kiwi even several months after the harvest.
"Since the beginning of the season, sales prices for Italian green kiwis have been good and now they are rising even further. The premium line has prices above €2.00 per kilo, while prices for medium sizes are at €1.70 to €1.80 per kilo. Since March, there has been steady growth, which picked up further in April. It is a specialist's dream to have high quality kiwi in the spring. The expectations regarding the producer price were high from the moment of harvest and by now I can say that they will be amply confirmed," said Christian Moretti, director of the Italian Agrintesa.
Christian Moretti in an archive photo
Italy's green kiwi crop reached an all-time low in 2020 due to frost and culling due to mortality. The crop was about 230,000 tons. "Kiwis from Greece have always been present with a lower price position of €0.30 to €0.40 per kilo. From March onwards, this supply decreased, leaving more room for the Italian kiwis. Agrintesa did not import and market Greek kiwis, but concentrated on increasing the value of its product, distinguishing itself by quality and guaranteed origin."
When a country has fewer quantities available, someone else will take the market share, which determines its commercial performance. This season, the Italian kiwi has successfully maintained its position and prices. "Italy is still the reference point for the market and from March to May Italian kiwis are the most competitive. The supply is more concentrated and qualified, which allows the kiwis to be better placed to benefit from the overall results of the year."
Agrintesa's members grow 1,800 acres of green kiwis, which are exported mainly to Europe and overseas. To supply its customers with kiwis 12 months a year, the cooperative sells New Zealand products from June to October, thanks to an agreement with Zespri, as well as Chilean kiwis. The proportion of organic kiwis is about 10%.
For more information:
Agrintesa 
Via G. Galilei, 15
Faenza (RA)
+39 0546 619111
direzione@agrintesa.com
www.agrintesa.com