The first checks carried out since the beginning of October have shown that the ripening process of Hayward kiwifruit is substantially following the same evolution as that of last year. A general delay in ripening is expected and this fact has been confirmed by the parameters measured and compared to those recorded in the same period of the last seasons.
The parameters measured in the different distribution areas gave values of sugar content around 4,5 brix degree and 7.5 kgs firmness during week 41, without any substantial difference between the different areas.
It should be noted that the weather forecasts are indicating that the current minimum temperatures, quite mild for this period, will remain stable until week 43. Then, the decreasing of minimum temperatures at night and the resulting thermal shock between day and night should help start the ripening processes, with an improvement of quality parameters.
We can therefore forecast that picking in the northern Italy regions could start from week 44 onwards, depending on the areas and on the parameters measured in each single farm.
We invite you to follow our next release due out week 43 to have more detailed information on the expected harvesting time in southern regions and on the timing of the first shipments of Hayward kiwifruit for this season.
The undersigned companies are at customers' disposal to provide additional details for an optimum planning of the sales.
For more information:
Consorzio
Kiwifruit of Italy SRL