The stone fruit season is in full swing, and the Sicilian one is particularly promising, as the quality is really good for apricots, peaches and nectarines. We discussed the trend of these references with Vincenzo Dipasquale of the Italian brand Donnalia.
Apricots
"We are now in the middle of the apricot season, which started around 15 May, with the best varieties. They are excellent, of good taste, and aesthetically appealing. This is the only way we can obtain a good price for our apricots, which currently hovers between €0.50 and €0.80 per kilo. Our goal is to ensure that consumers can enjoy fruit that tastes good. That is the most important thing for us. A lot of work and research is dedicated to this aspect. Proof of this is the fact that the less sought-after varieties have selling prices below the cost of production and in some cases remain unsold. The season will last until about 20 August."
Apricots
"With regard to peaches and nectarines, the season will start at the
end of June and we will go into full swing at the beginning of August.
The season will end in October. The area of Delia (CL), which is where we are located, is particularly suitable for growing late peaches and nectarines. We are the only Italian region that has made it this far. The good quality has allowed us to play a very important role in the medium-late varieties segment over the years. This is reinforced by the designation Pesca di Delia IGP (Peach of Delia PGI), which has already been published in the Official Gazette," said Vincenzo Dipasquale, who runs the company together with his brother Angelo.
Peach of Delia PGI
"About 90% of the crops are destined to the Italian market, both for retail, which is of utmost relevance to us, and for the wholesale channel. Thanks to its characteristics, our product is not affected by imports from the Mediterranean macro regions, because of the loyalty of our customers. The Donnalia brand is a genuine brand, that conveys value, and that is now appreciated on the main European markets."
Peaches
"This year we expect to grow by 20% compared to last year, which was a year marked by a slight decrease in cultivation, but with a lot of commercial success. As for the staff, we are still facing a lack of specialized workers because of the pandemic, but on the whole, we have been able to overcome all difficulties."
Vincenzo Dipasquale
"Our Donnalia branded crops usually do not suffer from foreign competition. Sometimes prices may drop, but that reflects a surplus in the market. Our strength lies in the brand awareness, with an attractive packaging that enhances the crop, linked to the values of sustainability, thanks to the use of FSC-certified paper," concluded Dipasquale.
For more information: 
Donnalia
Dipasquale Srl
Via Michelangelo, 7
93010 Delia (CL) - Italia
+39 0922 826009
amministrazione@dipasqualeortofrutta.com
www.donnalia.com