The Dolce Passione project is on schedule: Harvesting is now ending in Sicily and starting in Campania. The Dolce Passione Consortium is currently pleased with the progress of the commercial and production campaign.
© Cristiano Riciputi | FreshPlaza.com
Consortium director Luciano Trentini explains that "the Sicilian production of our black seedless Dolce Passione watermelons is coming to an end. The fruit harvested in Sicily is of excellent quality with a Brix degree of over 11°, which is very good considering the early period. In 2025 too, the production will maintain the agronomic and qualitative characteristics that we are now familiar with, i.e., a high percentage of mid-sized fruit weighing 4-6 kg, with a uniform black rind."
© L. Trentini
When cut, the rind is thin, the flesh is deep red, crunchy, with some edible white seeds. "Harvesting started about a week ago in the Campania region, where, once again, the quality of the fruit, which is destined for both the domestic and foreign markets, is confirmed. Prices are holding up well with values ranging between €1.10/kg to €1.40 - 1.50 /kg ex-works. Customers are the big retail chains and general markets."
Group photo during a field event in July 2024
At present, Dolce Passione watermelons are selling smoothly. The good temperatures in recent weeks, coupled with the high quality of the fruit, have made it a product that can guarantee excellent reliability in terms of quality over time.
 © L. Trentini |  © L. Trentini |
"It can also be offered as a rich product already portioned and refrigerated in the now well-known Dolce Passione displays. Exports are also progressing very well with established exports to Northern Europe and hot countries such as Dubai and the Middle East. In 2024, we exported to more than 10 foreign countries. This year, we aim to export at least 50% of our production. The prospects for exports to France are positive, and the first shipments will be this weekend."
"For our part, we plan to market Dolce Passione watermelons at least until the end of September. The campaign is still long, but we are very confident."
