"The last quantities of watermelons are leaving for the Italian and European markets this week. The season was rather strange, characterized by low prices for the majority of the sales period," reports Antonio Ciaccia, owner of a company located in Salento (Apulia) covering 200 hectares.
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"Quotations are not picking up even during these last few days. At the moment, the field price for watermelons is €0.15/kg. This year, we have had to deal with torrid temperatures, drought alternating with extreme events and, finally, with the commercial crisis that generated a significant reduction in sales prices. I do not remember a campaign with such low prices for such a long time."
"The weather was not on our side during the last part of the season as well as, due to its instability, consumption dropped even in central and southern Italy. Orders had always remained high in these regions, but they still were not able to compensate the deficit generated by the northern areas. Things were even worse in Europe, as summer was particularly cold and rainy in Germany, France, Switzerland and Austria, so consumption did not pick up."
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"Last year, our campaign ended in late August as demand exceeded supply. The situation was completely different. After sending the first few pallets, we will start with cleaning operations in our processing facility in Nardò (Lecce)".
For further information:
Azienda Agricola Ciaccia Sarl
Via Avetrana km 21,4
73048 Nardò (Lecce) Italy
(+39) 328 6814855
info@aziendaciaccia.com
aziendaciaccia.com