The table grape campaign has started in Apulia. Most companies have started harvesting and commercializing the first bunches of the 2022 season but the economic crisis, characterized by skyrocketing inflation and considerable increases in the price of raw material, slows down the markets, including the European ones, thus reducing consumption.
Bergware-branded Black Magic grapes
"The enthusiasm that has always characterized the start of the Italian table grape season is lacking. Usually, already with the first quantities of Victoria Black Magic, the main European markets raced to purchase as many crates as possible, but things are slower this year. Compared to 12 months ago, orders are 15% lower," reports Antonio Cantatore, sales manager at Cantatore Antonio & Figlio, a company located in Ruvo di Puglia (Bari) and specializing in the production and export of table grapes then sold under the Bergware brand.
Antonio Cantatore
"Germany, France and the Netherlands remain the most satisfactory destinations, although the current trend cannot be compared to that of the past season. There is a lot of uncertainty. Due to the general price increases, families have reduced their budget destined to purchasing fresh produce, while we have seen our costs grow by €0.15/kg."
"In such a difficult period, the notoriety of our Bergware brand is helping, as it enabled us to retain clients and set ourselves apart on the European markets. Things would definitely be worse if we were to start from scratch now."
Bergware -branded Victoria grape
"Each bunch is carefully selected to guarantee a product that is perfectly ripe and appealing. Different work is carried out during harvesting for each market: for example, France prefers more colorful grapes, while the Germans and the Dutch tend to prefer medium-large grapes that are not overly ripe, although their preferences are aligning to those of the other countries."
"Despite a delay in ripening (partly recovered thanks to the heat of the past few days), volumes will increase by 30% already next week, which is worrying because we are afraid supply might exceed demand."
For further information:
Cantatore Antonio & Figlio Srl
(+39) 340 9369214 - 368 648323
exportcantatore@libero.it