The Sicilian stone fruit campaign continues. We took stock of the situation with Vincenzo and Angelo Di Pasquale, owners of Donnalia, a brand that has stood out on the European agri-business market in recent years thanks to its superior quality fruit, eye-catching packaging and credibility with trading partners.
"With regard to the apricot campaign, which started in May, we cannot hide that the season was satisfactory, both in terms of quantity, with a 30% increase in production volumes, and in terms of prices. Prices at the producer in the countryside, have ranged from €0.50 for the standard fruit, up to €1,00 for the best harvests. The general trend has resulted in good margins so far. The apricot season is expected to end by August," said the Di Pasquale brothers.
We will soon be in full swing with the peach and nectarine campaign, which started in the first ten days of July. Here, too, we are seeing a high-quality product. It should be emphasized that, for several years now, Sicilian late peaches and nectarines have been playing a fundamental role in the Italian sector, as the products are highly appreciated by supermarket chains, which continue to receive extremely positive feedback from the end consumer," continued the entrepreneurs.
"This year's novelty is the launch of Donnalia Mini, a fruit that is slightly smaller in size but has an exceptional taste. Hence, we have coined the slogan 'small fruit with great taste', with the aim of highlighting smaller fruit, but which retain the same organoleptic characteristics as larger fruit, above all taste. To this end, we have developed a special packaging. One of these, which will soon be available, is a mini pan with an alveolus, suitable for sale either by weight or by item," revealed Vincenzo and Angelo Di Pasquale.
One discordant note this year is the increase in raw material costs. However, we are trying to maintain a fair balance with our suppliers, so as not to disrupt our business planning and future investments".
"Our stone fruit varieties, both early and medium-late and late, are perfectly suited to our production areas. This means that we are on the right track and we believe we will remain stable with our current varieties as long as we continue to receive excellent satisfaction from them. However, as a dynamic and innovative company, we are moving in the direction of intensely red fruit, without lacking in taste and texture. We will also soon launch a new sustainable 4-fruit pack for peaches and nectarines, with a very nice graphic design," concluded the two partners.
For more information:
Donnalia
Di Pasquale Srl
Via Michelangelo, 7
93010 Delia (CL) - Italia
+39 0922 826009
amministrazione@dipasqualeortofrutta.com
www.donnalia.com