Asia Edition
"The summer campaign of products such as carosello melons, zucchini and Barattì is coming to an end. The table grapes season in instead in full swing with good sales volumes and higher prices than 2022. If we exclude the areas hit by the latest storm, we can see that the weather is also helping achieve an excellent post-harvest quality," reports Cosimo Leggiero, sales manager for the Miss Freschezza brand. "In addition, a few winter products are now starting and the range will be complete as of early November."
Making a first assessment concerning 2023, Leggiero reports that "the winter months between January and March were difficult for vegetables due to the high temperatures, which affected consumption and production. The situation improved in the spring-summer, driven by the new potato campaign in Puglia. It was one of the best seasons when it comes to both quality and prices."
Asparagus did well too, "we registered an increase in the sales of 'local' products such as carosello and barattiere as well. The latter is sold under the 'Barattì-Apulian Sensation' brand, whose popularity is increasing in big retail chains and traditional markets in both northern and southern Italy."
Climate change, price increases and lack of labor
"There are three issues the fresh produce world cannot escape: climate change, the increase in the price of raw materials and the lack of labor. Today, producing 1 kg of fruits and vegetables costs a lot more than a few years ago, and climate change is increasing the risks on top of changing the way we produce."
"The labor issue is maybe the biggest one, as the production world will only have to produce what it can harvest. We will have to deal with this over the next few years too."
First time at Fruit Attraction
"We will attend the fair in Madrid for the first time. We expect to meet and greet clients and suppliers who already know us and maybe stimulate the curiosity of a few new ones. Maintaining and improving the relationships with our historic clients is essential: planning, flexibility and collaboration help us do better. We are also open to new clients and new markets, especially those looking for quality rather than quantity."
"At the fair, we will present our Barattì-Apulian Sensation product, on which we are also focusing our marketing efforts. For example, we are part of the 'Spettacoli alla Frutta' project (cfr. FreshPlaza del 20/09/2023)."
Leggiero also reports that Spain represents a small part of the business. "We mainly work with table grapes. The purpose of our participation in Fruit Attraction is to consolidate what we have achieved so far and open up to new opportunities while doing things one step at a time like we have always done with an eye to quality and service."
Miss Freschezza will attend Fruit Attraction (Madrid, October 3-5 2023) in Hall 3, Stand C01C. Cosimo Leggiero, Antonella Branio, Luciano Zaccaria, Gianni Liso and Riccardo Mazzone will welcome visitors.
Photos provided by Cosimo Leggiero
For further information:
www.missfreschezza.it
www.barattiapuliansensation.it
