Garlic is currently being harvested in various European countries - Spain, France and Italy. Weather problems are unfortunately being reported in northern Italy, especially in the Rovigo and Piacenza areas, as well as in northern France and Castilla-La Mancha, in Spain.
"There are delays in the drying of the produce and, although there are no specific quality problems, quality will indeed be lower with a lot of waste," reports Antonio Tuccillo, administrator at Agrimpex Farming. The company started processing and commercializing fresh garlic in early May and is now continuing with the semi-dry produce.
Spanish garlic.
"The first prices are rather high and it is difficult to foresee whether they will remain like this or not. Considering the lack of produce in warehouses all over Europe, Spain - the leading European producer - is registering rather high quotations in line with the turnover of the past two-three months. In Italy we are expecting good produce at acceptable prices. We are talking about 20-30% more than last year."
China, Egypt and Turkey are also direct competitors. "The Chinese campaign is satisfactory. with high quality yet not many suitable grades. Prices are rather contained, but they are not low due to the increases in freight rates and delays in deliveries, considering the ongoing Suez Canal crisis and the necessary circumnavigation of the Cape of Good Hope."
Italian garlic.
"As for Egypt, quality is acceptable, but quantities are lower than last year. Exports towards the Middle East and Asia are generally difficult, again due to the Suez Canal crisis. As a consequence, more volumes are available for exports to Europe."
Quality is good in Turkey as well, but quantities are limited due to the lower crops planted. "Prices are rather high, but slightly less than in Spain, Italy or France."
Spanish garlic.
"Harvesting operations are underway in all the countries mentioned and the quality and quantities available will be defined as the produce will reach the warehouses in order to better define the prices, which will anyway not be low."
Photos supplied by Antonio Tuccillo
For more information: agrimpexfarming.it