The Sicilian grape season has been underway for a few weeks, and last week, the Dutch company Zoutewelle received its first own-branded Lino blue grapes. "It's not been a bad start. Demand and sales are good, and prices are also fairly stable. For now, nothing is preventing it from being a good season," says Bertus Schipper.
"In Puglia, the season began two weeks earlier than last year. The weather's been good, and the growers have had few problems. It's just the costs that are higher, but everyone has to deal with that. We're already getting the first black grapes from Puglia, and this week the first seedless red and white grapes will follow. Next week, it's the first white seeded grapes' turn. Overall, we expect slightly higher volumes this season."
"White seeded Sicilian grapes are selling for around €2.20/kg, the black ones for about €2.40," Bertus continues. "There are still quite a few white seedless grapes from Egypt on the market. Those have been going for reasonably decent prices. The prices for 10x500 grams are still around €1 per punnet."
Most of Zoutewelle's customers are European fruit and vegetable wholesalers. "Most of the seeded grapes find their way to the ethnic market. That market is very steady. However, more and more new seedless varieties are appearing. There are several new types on the market again this year, and clients will prefer and return for those every year," Bertus concludes.
For more information:
Bertus Schipper
Zoutewelle
140 Handelsweg
2988 DC, Ridderkerk, NL
Tel: +31 (0) 180 642 364
Email: bertus.schipper@zoutewelle.com
Website: www.zoutewelle.com