"The netted melon campaign is in full swing, although it started slightly late than in previous years. We started on April 20th and I must say that things have been satisfactory so far when it comes to both quality and prices," reports Vincenzo Di Pasquale, co-founder of the Donnalia brand together with his brother Angelo.
"The most popular grades are those between 0.9 and 1.3 kg for the Italian market. Quality is great this year, with Brix levels that reach 17°. It is a good result, made possible by our efforts to choose the most suitable cultivars and varieties for the various areas, sometimes even within the same plot. Prices are also good, and reached €2.20/kg at production for the best batches."
"After many years spent gaining experience, we managed to play a leading role on the market, also thanks to a brand policy focused in constant quality standards. This way, consumers are certain they can purchase a melon that will never disappoint."
"As for the apricot campaign, we only place the best fruits on the market and try to limit our varietal choice only to those selections with the best flavor. We experimented a lot over the years, meaning we managed to reach the Italian consumer tables. Prices were good for the premium produce."
"With the arrival of the mass produce, which floods all the sales channels with large quantities, the market is unavoidably pushed downwards. We are about to enter a stage where only quality can make a difference. We are experiencing a downward phase with both melons and apricots, although consumption is still lively thanks to the high temperatures. Sales prices for apricots hover between €1 and 2.50/kg, depending on the batch. It is quite the difference, which reveals how it is the properties and condition of the product that determine the price. The same goes for melons, whose prices are decreasing."
For further information
Donnalia
Di Pasquale Srl
Via Michelangelo, 7
93010 Delia (CL) - Italy
+39 0922 826009
amministrazione@dipasqualeortofrutta.com
www.donnalia.com