Dried fruit recovering after a stalling period

"After a critical October and a complex November, December numbers seem to be those typical of the period, although slightly lower than the previous year," reports Francesco Perego, sales manager at New Factor. "During the previous months, in addition to the general drop in consumption, the sector was also affected by the high temperatures that delayed consumption. The cold and holiday season have luckily livened things up, so we are expecting good results from the last few days of the year."

Alessandro Annibali and Francesco Perego 

"The global walnut market is struggling at the moment: the high quantities available combined with an at-times disappointing quality have pushed prices downwards. The striking increase in the Chinese production as well as the considerable carry over on the Californian market must also be mentioned."

"On a national level, the torrid summer luckily did not hinder the quality of walnuts from Romagna, which this season stand out thanks to their high quality and guaranteed chain. Despite the difficulties of the initial period, these elements are enabling the produce to register sales finally in line with what expected, meaning they are appreciated and recognized despite the price gap."   

"The excellent result achieved was also made possible by the best agronomic techniques when it comes to both technology and research. We have also been busy obtaining the Global Gap certification for our San Martino company for walnuts in shell, thus increasing their appeal with big retail chains that have this requirement for their Private Labels." 

In 2022, New Factor also decided to revisit various different ranges and to work on launching new products in 2023. The company focused on analyzing the existing market to try and fill any gaps yet unexplored and on re-launching 'great classics' that have made the history of the company and which needed an update.

"As for the products we started distributing this year, such as the Wonderful shelled pistachios (of which we are the exclusive distributors in Italy), we are very pleased with the results, which confirm how product innovation is essential in a crowded sector often focused almost exclusively on the 'best price'."

"I believe this year was a moment of transition for everyone, where to try and combine the need to withstand the global chaos (and the relative costs) with the conscience of having to think about the future despite the deep uncertainty. Having said this, recovering the margin necessary to restore a balance will be the main objective in 2023."