"After several tests over the past few weeks, which included analyzing dry matter content, Brix and firmness, it has been ascertained that cooperative members in Emilia Romagna and northern Italy may begin picking green kiwis on 25 October. The harvest will take about 10-15 days," said Cristian Moretti, director of Agrintesa, a cooperative based in Faenza but with members in different parts of Italy.
"We foresee a harvest of about 28,000 tons of kiwis with green flesh. Of the yellow Sungold and Jintao kiwis we will pick about 15,000 tons and of the red Dong Hong about 300 tons. Bio represents 10% of our total," continued Moretti.
The main growing area is Romagna, followed by the province of Latina, followed by the smaller growing areas of Veneto, Calabria and Apulia. Agrintesa accounts for over 10% of the estimated Italian crop in 2022.
"In Romagna we expect to harvest 35-40% more kiwis compared to the last two years. But at that time, we also had significantly less production due to frost problems," said Moretti.
The practice of harvesting the product only when it reaches the right quality parameters has always been a dogma for Agrintesa. "We want to market a quality suitable product that does not disappoint the consumer and can be stored for a long time up to and including May."
"After two years with very nice grower prices due to low yields, we expect a more ordinary season in which the quality profile of the product will be decisive, as well as the ability to market the product spread throughout the season. From the harvest phase, we will already make a strong effort to defend the product and obtain the best possible prices for our members," concluded the director.
For more information:
Agrintesa 
Via G. Galilei, 15
Faenza (RA)
+39 0546 619111
[email protected]
www.agrintesa.com
