"There is some demand, but of course the current temperatures do not encourage the consumption of clementines. However, the biggest problem is that the prices on sales are not increasing and therefore not offsetting the growing and processing costs, which have at least doubled compared to last year. We are therefore forced to pay our suppliers prices far below their expectations."
"If the situation does not improve, next year there will be no citrus growers to whom we can turn to," said Massimo Malagrinò, sales director of Ortofrutta Malagrinò, a company based in the southern Italian province of Cosenza dedicated to the cultivation, processing, preservation, packaging and marketing of citrus, stone fruit and vegetables.
Massimo Malagrinò in a citrus orchard of the company (Photo: Valentina Gullo, provided by Ortofrutta Malagrinò)
"The sale of the first volumes is not without controversy. There is a lot of supply, but the demand is only there when prices barely cover the costs for us and the growers," Malagrinò continued. "Temperatures have peaked at 30°C in recent days and heat does not do well with citrus. We need temperatures around 18°C to prevent plant diseases. Much of the harvest comes in small sizes this season. Some cooler weather is expected soon so we hope sales pick up, but current sales don't bode well."
"On top of that," says the entrepreneur, "we have a problem with size grading. Considering the cost of processing, packaging and transportation of size 4 or 5 clementines, we are losing at least €0.20 per kilogram with current selling prices. Price increases are necessary for all chain partners to survive. We hope that the Italian product will be preferred, but consumers will therefore also have to pay more, and buy less."
(Photo: Ortofrutta Malagrinò)
Ortofrutta Malagrinò will be busy for another week or so with the Caffin variety and in the meantime has already started processing and marketing Comune clementines, the top product at this time of year. "In some plots, the Comune clementine has already reached a Brix value of 14 degrees and the coloring is already 70-80% complete. The season will last until the middle or end of January and then it will be the turn of the late variety Hernandina."
The goal is to keep a firm foothold in the market, says Malagrinò. "We hope the new government will accommodate us in that. The issue of food sovereignty has to come back to defend our products, but in the end it is the consumer who decides."
Proactive and innovative thinking
"Despite the crisis and price increases, we are always looking for innovative and effective technologies and solutions, to meet the needs of all our partners, be they employees, customers or growers. In this search, we rely on cooperation with companies such as GNA (see article dated 21/09/2022) and Kuku International Packaging. We continue to invest in our future."
© Ortofrutta Malagrinò Plastic-free packaging for the new clementine season (Photo: Ortofrutta Malagrinò)
Malagrinò refers to the opportunity to use innovative and sustainable materials in the packing station. The new plastic-free packaging for clementines in use since this season fulfills three aspects: innovation, sustainability and respect for the environment. "To work toward the Agenda 2030 goals, we have invested in new packaging materials and we think this can be a plus in sales," he said. The material consists of cardboard and for the 'see-through is made of linen and cotton."
For more information:
Ortofrutta Malagrinò Srl
C/da Oliveto, snc
87064 Corigliano-Rossano (CS) - Italy
[email protected]
ortofruttamalagrino.com
