"Despite the fact that the Italian market has been at a bit of a standstill over the past eight weeks, quotations are all in all fair and satisfactory for the various links in the chain," reports Domenico Citterio, director of the company that deals with both seed, fresh market and industrial potatoes.
"It is an all-Italian situation, as I understand that the market is more euphoric abroad. In Italy, on the other hand, sales have been slowing down for both fresh and processed products since the holidays."
The situation is different for seed potatoes. "We have an increase in demand, so I would say that more hectares may be sown in Italy this year than in 2024. But this is a figure that has to be verified."
However, Italy is obliged to import heavily as domestic production does not meet domestic demand. "At the same time, however, we do export rather considerable volumes, because our early potatoes are not suitable for prolonged storage, so tubers dug in June and early July have to be sold and consumed in a relatively short time. Late productions from both Italy and the rest of Europe, on the other hand, are more suitable for storage and can therefore be placed on the market even several months after harvesting."
When it comes to prices, Citterio says that "the price bar was raised after the energy crisis three years ago, starting with a figure that has to satisfy producers and cover their costs. The supply chain has accepted the shift and the results have been reflected in the prices of the past two years."
Citterio has been active in the seed and ware potato trade for four generations. "We specialize in the choice and selection of seed potatoes, which we import from the best seed companies in northern Europe and distribute throughout the country. We also sign cultivation agreements in cooperation with several selected farmers, to meet our own needs, both in Italy and abroad."
"During the summer, we export new crop potatoes from the best Italian production areas to northern Europe while, in winter, we supply Italian packinghouses and processing plants with potatoes that we import from northern Europe."
For more information
Domenico Citterio e C.
Viale dell'Industria, 1/B, 37036
San Martino Buon Albergo (Verona)
+39 045 87.80.144
www.citteriopatate.it
