"The first 2024 zero-residue figs left our warehouse at the beginning of August. The harvesting operations started about two weeks early due to the very hot weather, which accelerated the ripening process but also reduced the size and yield by 20%. Then there were some difficulties with crop formation due to an unprecedented lack of water."
These are the words of Antonio Vito Ancona of OP Ancona, a producer organisation that has been producing and marketing figs grown in the areas of Policoro, Rotondella, Pisticci and Bernalda for over 40 years, to such an extent that it has dedicated a specific brand to the fruit: 'Il fico Lucano'.
The fruit is green in colour, with cracks and a violet blush. The skin is thin and the amber-coloured flesh is rich in potassium, magnesium, iron and vitamins C, B and K.
"This year we are seeing a lot of interest from both local and foreign operators. Prices are similar to last season, but there is more demand. Our figs reach the Italian wholesale markets (such as Milan, Treviso, Bergamo, Padua, Parma, Florence, Turin, Udine Mestre, Livorno and Bologna) and the German markets in packages of 500g, packed in 3-kg boxes. Given the early harvest, we expect to finish marketing by the end of September. However, everything will depend on the climate and the humidity."
Figs are one of the most important fruit and vegetable products for the Ancona producer organisation, which is why it has become one of the main partners in the 'Study and implementation of innovative phytosanitary defence systems for figs' project, in which the University of Bari is also involved.
For more information:
O.P. Ancona
Via Liborio Romeo, 7
75025 Policoro (MT)
Tel.: +39 0835 972149
Email: [email protected]
opancona.it
