This year, 80% of the potential total production of PDO pistachios from Raffadali is expected. It is a good percentage, considering that some losses always occur due to the various factors that affect an agricultural year, including climate and management problems in general. This year was characterized by heavy rain in the fall, then it stopped raining between December 2021 and early May 2022," explains Rino Frenda, president of the Sicilian PDO.
Rino Frenda
"As many will remember, pistachios from Raffali obtained the PDO mark in March 2021, meaning we managed to sell the first 8 tons thanks to an exceptional derogation granted by the ministry to 4 companies."
Harvesting is carried out between late August and early October, depending on the area. It starts near the sea and continues towards the Agrigento mountains.
"This year will be the first with a full production, so we should have at least 30 tons. Quotations are expected to have at least €5 difference between the marked and unmarked produce. If last year's price is confirmed for the shelled produce, we should reach €40/kg."
Above: pistachio branch with the Valle dei Templi in the background.
"However, these are only indicative data as the PDO area covers 31 municipalities and boasts a potential of at least 300 tons. Unfortunately we are still at the beginning and only 40 companies are registered while there could be a lot more. Not all producers are ready to comply with bureaucratic requirements or are capable of implementing the production methods to obtain the PDO mark. However, we trust that they will comply soon as being part of our PDO leads to many economic advantages."
For further information:
Associazione Tutela del
Pistacchio di Raffadali DOP
Via Spezio 1
92015 Raffadali (AG) – Italy
+39 338 3972346
pistacchiodiraffadali@gmail.com
www.pistacchiodiraffadali.com