It has been a good year for Tipo persimmons when it comes to prices, although there have been a few issues with quantities and quality. Antonio Zani, sales manger at Granfrutta Zani, reports that "we have registered a 25% drop in production due to the flood, frost and hail, the lack of rain during the summer and, most of all, due to fruit fly attacks."
If, up until 15-20 years ago, persimmons needed 1-2 treatments a year, now they need more due to mealybugs and fruit flies. "Plus we cannot go without irrigation due to the prolonged periods of drought and high temperatures."
On a commercial level, "sales will continue until late November. The produce is supplied to big retail chains depending on their needs." Anyway it is always packaged as it would not be manageable and it would risk becoming jelly even before reaching the customers' homes."
"Larger grades are found in packets containing 2 or 3 fruits, intermediate ones are sold in fours as well as in 24x40 crates. This year, we harvested around 1200 tons and 15% was sent abroad, to Switzerland and Austria."
Antonio Zani
"Those who managed to defend themselves against the fruit fly, manage irrigation and were lucky enough not to suffer weather damage obtained a good product of a high quality and with large grades."
For further information
OP Granfrutta Zani
Via Monte Sant'Andrea
48018 Granarolo Faentino (RA)
+39 0546 695211
[email protected]
www.granfruttazani.it