While the Pistacchio di Bronte DOP season ended last October, we will have to wait 2023 for the next harvesting period. As is known, this product is harvested every two years, following the rhythm of the local agronomic management to improve fruit quality and plant health. During in-between years, buds are picked by hand precisely to obtain the results sought. The commercial campaign is instead proceeding despite the current difficulties.
Alfio Paparo
"Last year, production was in line with the previous period, though it was not a simple season, as the excessively dry summer risked limiting production. It was the rain between late August and early September that rescued the situation. The produce was stocked as usual, to be sold as the orders come in," explains Alfio Paparo, administrator of Aroma Sicilia.
Pistacchio di Bronte DOP has a great commercial value due to its limited availability. It must not be mistaken with the product for snacking, which is less prestigious and comes from the Middle East or California (US).
"The company covers around 20 hectares of pistachios plus 1 hectare of almonds. Our produce is not shipped everywhere, as not everyone is willing to pay a wholesale price of €40-45/kg for the shelled produce. Our produce is in fact mainly required by the high-end H&R sector. At least 30% of the production is destined abroad, mainly to France, Germany and England, but we do have niches overseas with clients in Australia, Singapore and Taiwan."
"In addition to the shelled product, we have other lines such as pistachio pesto and spread, suitable for the finest gourmet dishes. There is also a semi-processed product, pistachio paste, used by leading ice-cream parlors in the countries mentioned above. The price of the paste is even slightly higher than that of the shelled product, to which transport costs must also be added."
Shelled pistachios are commercialized in 1 kg vacuum packs or 25 kg sacks. Pistachio paste is instead sold in 1, 3 or 5 kg containers, while pesto and pistachio spread are placed in 90, 190 and 1 kg jars.
"The current international situation is worrying. The crisis is discouraging new investments. Price increases are greatly affecting us and, this year, we have also had to deal with the lack of labor during both harvesting and pruning. Like everyone else, we are waiting to see how this conflict will evolve and affect the global economy."
For further information:
Azienda Agricola Aroma Sicilia
Via G. Garibaldi 54
95034 - Bronte (CT)
+39 380 3224663
info@aromasicilia.com