Three figures (albeit approximate) are characterizing the current grape season in Italy:
- A 30% increase in production compared to 2021 between seedless and traditional varieties;
- A 30% drop in consumption caused by inflation and higher bills;
- A 15% drop in producer sales prices.
A producer from the Bari province explains that "for example, the current quotations for Italia grapes - which has always been considered the forte of the Apulian season - vary between €0.30 and €0.50/kg, i.e. around €0.20/kg less than last year. The truth is that a lot of produce is still unsold in the vineyards because the few traders are reluctant to buy produce due to the difficult socio-economic context. Then there are also producers willing to sell at low prices. The climate is rather heavy and many do not see a way out except selling off the 2022 production."
Production not yet sold
"Seedless grapes have dropped too, as we are being paid €0.60-0.70/kg for them, quotations that destroy the hard work carried out over the past few years in terms of innovation, research and flavor. With these conditions, we would like to stop like some processing industries are doing, but we have the actual fruit on the trees."
Already at the start of the season, operators spoke about the lack of enthusiasm for table grapes, which had affected some spring and summer products as well. "Buyers report slow sales every day and recommend envisaging special promotions to push consumption."
"Grapes are usually always popular, but orders are limited this year. It is not that people are just buying less grapes, families are saving on groceries in general. At least bunches boast an excellent quality, which seems to reward us at times."