For Sicily-based Eco Farm, a company specializing in fruit growing, the stone fruit season has finally come to an end.
"Although this was not a season that can be remembered, we can say that, on the whole, it was a positive year for us. However, we have not, just like everyone else, escaped the effects of the global crisis due to the exaggerated costs of the supply chain as a result of the energy and fuel bills that have increased dramatically," said Rocco Patri, president of the producers' organization.
"Stocking in cold storage is not a cheap expenditure, but it is not only this cost item that has risen dramatically; all those related to bringing our fruit to the counters, from packaging to plastic, including all those elements that make up the production stages of processing, logistics and so on, have risen too," continued Patrì.
"The highlight of this controversial year, turned out to be the quality of the product, which was truly excellent, with very sweet, and fragrant fruit, stone-adherent pulp, crisp and aromatic. The flavor was sweet, with low acidity, although the widespread drought in Sicily somewhat affected the calibers," explained the expert.
"On the contrary, we noticed a strong contraction in the sales of peaches and nectarines due to the inflationary pressure that has reduced the purchasing power of families. It became fully obvious that there has been a decrease in the kilos of fruit purchased. Thanks to our production and commercial structure, we have remedied the problem by increasing the number of our partners in the Italian and foreign large-scale retail sector. The transfer prices to our trading partners averaged between €1.20 and €1.60 per kg for peaches and from €1.30 to €1.70 per kg for nectarines, with size being the main discriminator."
While harvesting of grapes is underway, OP Eco Farm is in the midst of launching apple kaki production, which will take place starting in mid-October. The phenological stage of the plants and fruit is optimal and, if the weather is favorable, the season is expected to be regular.
For more information:
O.P. Eco Farm s.r.l. 
Sede Legale: Viale della Regione, 232
93100 Caltanissetta
Stabilimenti: C.da Judeca
93011 Butera (CL)
+39 0934 921558
info@ecofarmitalia.com
www.ecofarmitalia.com