"The Catania Maas is undoubtedly the main hub for fruit and vegetable distribution in eastern Sicily, although a good portion of the goods that transit there are destined for near-by Malta." This is what emerged from an interview with Rosario Fichera who, together with his uncle Orazio Fichera and cousin of the same name, administers the Italian company "Frutta 3 Effe" with a stand inside the wholesale market structure.
Rosario, Rosario and Orazio Fichera
"Our core business focuses on imported tropical fruits such as avocado, mango, pineapple, etc. The fruits are directly sourced to us from the different specialized importers who have the know-how for safe transportation so that the fruits always remain in the optimal state. In turn, we supply the regional large-scale retail trade and other retailers, but as much as 40 percent of our turnover is generated through our relationship with Malta, which counts us among its trusted suppliers."
Pineapple
"With regard to pineapple," the interviewee added, "the volume of goods transiting through the Maas of Catania is around thirty pallets per day of 850 kg each, or about 25 tons; but this is an approximate average, because during holiday periods, especially Christmas, New Year's Day, and Easter, volumes soar. The reason for the acceleration in consumption during those periods, in our experience, is because there is a shortage of local fruit and therefore people fall back on alternative products, depending also on the particularity of the holidays. Average prices, at the moment, range from €14 per package (of about 11 kg) for the standard product to €16 for the superior one. Out of 75 operators here at the Catania market, only about 10 or so are, including us, operators who specialize in exotic fruits."
Local mangoes
"Our suppliers for overseas fruit are the most well-known brands. However, we also use partnerships with Sicilian producers who supply us with avocados, mangoes and other specialties. These are small companies, run by hard-working and dedicated professionals who produce fruits with extraordinary overall organoleptic qualities. The advantage of a short supply chain shows in offering aromatic fruits with exceptional flavor," concluded Rosario Fichera.
For more information:
Frutta 3 Effe Srl
Via Pass del Fico, SP 70/1
95121 Catania - ITALY
+39 335 749 5073
catania@frutta3effe.it