The general increases when it comes to energy, logistics, fuel and packaging are scaring producers, who are in turn forced to increase their sales prices.
To understand whether these increases, made worse by the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, will affect the new cherry campaign as well, FreshPlaza has talked to Nicola Giuliano, owner of O.P. Giuliano Puglia Fruit, one of the best known Italian cherry traders.
FreshPlaza (FP): Is an increase in the price of cherries to be expected this year?
Nicola Giuliano (NG): The impact of the various increases will affect cherries far less than other products such as table grapes. Cherries are the most popular fruits in spring and are only available during a short time frame. Purchase frequency therefore tends to remain constant and rather lively during the two months of commercialization. We believe the upcoming season will see an increase not exceeding 10% of the average sales price, which could be easily reabsorbed by all actors along the chain and not just by producers.
FP: What are the costs that affect cherry cultivation the most?
NG: Definitely labor for producers while for companies, if we consider the current increases, processing and packaging costs are driven up by packaging and electricity. Increasingly often, containers cost more than their content regardless of the type chosen.
 |
 |
FP: What should national and international operators know to start the next season with serenity?
NG: Every year, cherries are the stars of the new season. The average sales price is €5-7/kg. As for 2022 quotations, reference should not be made to the price lists of the past season, when the prices paid to producers hovered between €1.00 and €1.50/kg, discouraging producers. We hope everything will go well, but the sector really needs to be supported this year. We will do our part.
For further information:
O.P. Giuliano Puglia Fruit
SP 65 km 4,8
70010 Turi (BA)
(+39) 080 4771540
luisa@giulianosrl.it
amministrazione@giulianosrl.it
giulianopugliafruit.it