A good start for early grapes from Apulia, both seeded (like Victoria and Black Magic) and seedless.
"We were not expecting such a lively start," explains Donato Fanelli, entrepreneur and coordinator of the Table Grapes committee of the IO (Ortofrutta Italia interbranch organization) and member of CUT.
"Demand has significantly increased over the past week, so much so that we were caught off guard. We usually see these volumes in late July. For example, there are commercial operators that are shipping as many as 120 pallets a day."
Victoria grapes
"Although quantities are higher than 2020 (around +20%), prices are in line with the last campaign. Feedback is positive and it looks like grapes are more popular than other summer fruits like peaches and nectarines. Quality is excellent when it comes to appearance and flavor. For example, thanks to the weather, the Brix level of Victoria grapes does not drop below 16 and reach peaks of 18-20."
Black Magic grapes
"Cuts for Victoria grapes are different depending on the production area. The harvesting of the early produce on the coast has already started. There are no problems caused by the high temperatures, as they occurred when veraison had already happened. Things are different for Victoria vineyards located inland, which are not ready to be harvested. These crops were affected by the excessive heat but, luckily, we are intervening with frequent and targeted irrigation operations."
There is positive news for seedless grapes as well. "Many producers from Apulia have started with the first supplies to northern Europe, securing market shares that so far were managed by Spain. European retail chains were afraid of establishing commercial relations with Italy as it was not able to guarantee continuous supplies. Now even Apulia can boast an increasing number of vineyards with excellent yields per hectare."
For further information:
Viva Frutta
Via Archimede 21,
70018 Rutigliano (Bari)
(+39) 080 21 45 158
Donato Fanelli - sales manager
Tel: (+39) 388 4783509
info@marchiatofresco.it
www.marchiatofresco.it