"We are receiving quite a few orders for oranges, volumes we had not imagined we could ship this time of year. We had been waiting for such liveliness already in the first few weeks of 2024. Things are good especially for smooth fruits with a good appearance. Prices hover around €1.10/kg (Navel variety) with 72-90 mm grades. The only negative thing is that the season will end very soon, in a couple of weeks' time," reports Floriano Convertino from Convif in Massafra (Taranto), owner of a company that grows and sells citrus fruits on the Italian and European markets.
"The orange market has remained still for weeks due to the extension of the clementine season generated by the dry weather. The high supply mitigated prices, making clementines an interesting, affordable and tasty product for consumers, and diverting the interest from oranges, which could not be sold too cheaply after the rush to purchases in the fall, with quotations not below €0.50/kg ."
The situation is different and more complex for the Tarocco variety. "There is a large amount of small grades that does not liven up the market. Prices vary between €0.60 and €1.30/kg for large grades, which are almost impossible to find. It is a prestigious variety that has always reached decent prices. But things are different this year."
Tarocco oranges
The entrepreneur also makes an appeal to other local producers. "I believe the era of easy agriculture is over. Over the past few years, buyers have been making strict selections and quality helps us stand out on the market. Having mediocre produce means not selling it. Those who decide to invest will definitely see lower profits (especially with the current management costs), but at least they will not risk losing their production. Those who do not, will have to wait to jump on the last wagon of the train, but they risk not finding any seats. We should also learn to supply produce with good packaging and of the grades agreed."
For further information:
Azienda agricola Convif
74016 Massafra (TA)
+39 330 880 689 - 099 4000644
convif.agricoltura@libero.it