"In Apulia, the harvesting of open field cherries will start with reasonable quantities not before May 7th-9th. We will start with the early Bigarreau variety, then it will be the turn of Giorgia and, lastly, Ferrovia which fully ripens in early June," explains Iganzio Tateo, owner of Tateo Srl.
"Compared with the previous campaign, ripening is late by at least one week. This is due to the frequent temperature drops that slowed down the phenological process of plants and prolonged blossoming and setting times, which though has led to improved quality and larger grades."
Left: Bigarreau cherries during the growing phase. Fruits with a medium-large grade. Right: Ferrovia variety.
With its almost 32,000 tons, Apulia is the leading cherry producing region in Italy. The segment is worth €22 million. "The delayed campaign does not seem to worry producers much, as it increases the craving for one of the most popular fruits of the year."
"The volumes expected are not as high as last year, when producers and traders struggled due to the considerable surplus which in turn led to product depreciation."
"Fruits are currently in the growing and veraison phase. Grades seem excellent too. Good part of the cherries on the trees boasts grades above 24 mm, so we are hopeful when it comes to sales prices. Now we just have to wait for the coloring to complete and for the first feedback from the market. We are currently getting organized with the harvesting team, as we are dealing with a lack of labor this year as well."
For further information:
Tateo Srl
SS dei Trulli
70010 Turi (BA)
(+39) 080 4514210
info@tateogroup.it
www.tateogroup.it