"We will start harvesting operations on 10 August, so it is still too early to make predictions about the summer fruit campaign. We can only hope that nothing will happen to the weather during these 40 days, as has happened in the past," reported Giovanni Scavo, sales manager of the Sicilian Il Girasole Soc. Coop.
"A heavy hailstorm accompanied by strong winds damaged vast areas of citrus groves in the Mineo area (CT) last week, which now need specific treatments to recover. The water shortage, on the other hand, is causing fewer problems than in previous years thanks to the recent rain."
As for peaches and nectarines, the sales manager believes that the economic expectations of farmers will not be disappointed: "Thanks to the low competition from Spain, the sales campaign will be shorter as a result of the lower availability of the fruit. As far as the domestic market is concerned, the lack of fruit affects the northern Italian areas. There is not a lot of product in circulation, especially large sizes, which are the ones most popular abroad. Therefore, demand remains high and the markets are lively with very good prices."
"In recent years, many orchards used for peach and nectarine production have been reconverted in Romagna, so it is mainly peaches that are missing from the market. This is why we can say that, in this particular year, the lion's share is taken by Puglia and Basilicata when it comes to apricots and nectarines. So everything is pointing to a fairly profitable summer fruit campaign for Sicilian producers."
© Il Girasole soc. coop.
"Our production of peaches and nectarines, which is the company's core business, is mostly focused on the medium-late and late varieties. Volumes average around 1,500 tonnes, including yellow-fleshed nectarines and yellow and white-fleshed peaches. In recent years, the yellow-fleshed varieties, specifically the O'Henry, which is particularly popular with end consumers, have been in great demand among large retailers."
"We start with Coscia pears at the end of July. At the moment, the pears on the market come from Chile, because Spain was hit by a hailstorm that damaged a large part of the production. Therefore, there should be less competition, and we are looking forward to a good marketing campaign for pears."
© Il Girasole soc. coop.
Coscia pears are soft and juicy, with a refined aftertaste. Among other areas, they are also grown in the Bronte and Maniace (CT) areas, and are much appreciated, especially if eaten at the right degree of ripeness. Of course, we must bear in mind that it is a pear that, compared to other varieties, is small in size. We are talking about a species that made a comeback after its decline in the 1990s. They are available under the brand name, both loose and in 500 g and 1 kg packages."
© Il Girasole soc. coop.
"Peaches and nectarines are a growing segment for the Il Girasole cooperative. In Italy, the percentage of households that buy the product at least once during the year is very high and averages around 70% for peaches and 50% for nectarines. Nectarines are generally the most in demand - this explains the growth of invested areas."
For more information: 
Il Girasole Soc. Coop.
VIA Francesco Petrarca, 51
95047 Paternò (CT) - Italy
(+39) 095 623381
Giovanni Scavo (+39) 337 950 732
Serena Scavo (+39) 3474242478
[email protected]
www.ilgirasolearance.com
