Giuseppe Ventura, the owner of La Zucca Rossa, which is based at the CAAN (Centro Agro Alimentare di Napoli - Naples Food and Agriculture Center), specializing in marketing pumpkins and artichokes, says that the pumpkin sector is undergoing a period of significant change. "It's a time of market repositioning, but also an opportunity to prioritize quality and diversification," Ventura explains. The market is changing and showing greater interest in high standards and a steady supply of products."
One of the most tangible changes is in the Scafati area of the province of Salerno in the Campania region, the historical stronghold of the elongated 'Zucca Lunga di Napoli' pumpkin. According to Ventura, only four or five farmers remain in the area, which is undergoing reorganization. The main problem is unpredictable crop quality, especially during years with challenging weather conditions, like the current one.
'Zucca Lunga di Napoli' cultivated in Scafati (SA - Campania)
Meanwhile, foreign products, especially those from Morocco, are gaining a strong presence. "Moroccan pumpkins are excellent," says Ventura. "They use Italian seeds, and the result this year is amazing." Before arriving here, they undergo three customs inspections. We are therefore talking about an extremely controlled, top-quality product." Morocco is not the only standout country: Egyptian muscat squash is also considered exceptional.
Consequently, ample supplies from these foreign markets meet the escalating domestic demand, particularly when domestic production faces challenges in maintaining pace. This year, La Zucca Rossa reduced its purchases from Scafati due to the growing demand for high-quality products and the need to meet stringent market requirements.
Moroccan Zucca Lunga on sale at the wholesaler
Another notable aspect of the present moment is the variety of options and the extensive production schedule. The market now demands more consistency and diversification than ever before. Currently, we are working with Moroccan long squash and Egyptian muscat, which will be available until around 20 July. The Lunga di Scafati pumpkin is expected to arrive on 1 July, and it will require at least ten days to fully ripen. Then, starting at the end of July, it'll be the turn of the Italian Moscata from Lucania and/or Apulia.
"The Moscata variety," Ventura points out, 'is the top pumpkin variety outside of Campania, making it possible for us to fulfill a variety of taste preferences and needs throughout the year. Conversely, the Lunga di Scafati is consumed to a much greater extent on a regional scale."
Egyptian Muscat Pumpkin on sale at the wholesaler
After a period of significant turbulence due to a large influx of products from Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia, the market found a new balance. Prices declined to 0.40–0.50 euros per kilogram. "There was a lot of confusion," Ventura admits, "but now things are improving." Sales are steady, and prices have stabilized at around 0.70–0.80 euros per kilogram."
During the most volatile times, it was the specialized companies that managed to stay afloat. Those who only process pumpkins maintained their market value," explains the wholesaler. Generic operators, on the other hand, suffered much more. This shows how essential specialization and quality are now."
The direction is clear," concludes Giuseppe Ventura. "We must focus on quality products that are guaranteed and controlled. Whoever stays put is out. But those who invest can still have their say, even in Italy."
For more information:
www.lazuccarossadiventurasrl.it