“The 2022/23 Sicilian Navelina orange campaign is starting with a slight delay, but organoleptic qualities are excellent. There are currently no problems on a commercial level, as demand and supply seem balanced," reports Giovanni Scavo, sales manager at Girasole Soc. Coop..
Il Girasole is located in Paternò (CT), at the foothills of Mount Etna, and produces fruit all year round. The main varieties are Navel, Tarocco, Moro and Sanguinello oranges, Nova clementines and late Ciaculli tangerines, apricots, peaches, nectarines and Coscia pears. They are sold mainly to big retail chains both in Italy and abroad.
“Overall, we could talk about a 20% drop in production, which will be compensated by the slight delay and considerable drop in consumption caused by the reduced purchasing power of the Italian families."
"Of course we have to deal with the increase in costs that is affecting both the production and commercialization phases. We have estimated a 25/30% increase in costs, which is why most operators are being very cautious on the market."
"Negotiations are more restrained and not as quick as in previous years. In addition, producers are under pressure due to the higher costs, and the higher prices mean buyers take longer to make a purchase."
“As for production, the long summer somewhat compromised fruit growth, so grades will be medium yet with a high sugar content. I can say the same for blood oranges, the harvesting of which will start in early December. It is not a good period for the fresh produce sector, not only because of the drop in consumption. It is still difficult to find workers and processing costs have increased by as much as 30%."
For further information
Il Girasole Soc. Coop.
VIA Francesco Petrarca, 51
95047 Paternò (CT) - Italy
(+39) 095 623381
info@ilgirasolearance.com
www.ilgirasolearance.com