© Forcina AntonioThe commercial performance of peaches and nectarines is excellent. Demand exceeds supply. Prices meet producers' expectations. However, the fruit and vegetable sector is facing serious challenges related to the drought. Water shortages in Apulia and Basilicata are particularly problematic. Peaches and nectarines from plantations without water reservoirs are smaller and darker. Even clementines are smaller than usual due to the lack of water. Antonio Forcina expresses grave concern, stating, "This is the demise of agriculture!"
The Forcina family runs a company that has evolved to include the processing and marketing of a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. They currently handle more than 20,000 tons per year, a number that continues to grow. They source fruit from longstanding producers primarily in Apulia, Basilicata, and Sicily. The latter region is especially notable for its pigmented oranges. The company offers apricots, Navel and Tarocco oranges, Romanesco broccoli, cauliflower, cherries, clementines, strawberries, lemons, lotus root, Annurca apples, Miyagawa mandarin oranges, nectarines, peaches, and plums. To manage its increased production capacity, the company has a 7,000-square-meter warehouse, 3,000 square meters of which are covered. The company employs around 50 specialized workers and has its own vehicles for transporting products.
© Forcina Antonio
"The peach and nectarine campaign is promising, especially in terms of quality, despite the drought," explains Antonio Forcina. Demand is strong, even though there is no surplus of fruit. In fact, we have half as much stored fruit as in previous years. The company sources this fruit from its longtime producers in Apulia and Basilicata. The shortage of peaches and nectarines is due to a three percent drop in cultivated areas, primarily in northern Italy, resulting in an estimated production decrease of six to eight percent. The drop in peach production appears to be even more significant."
Looking ahead, the company is concerned that next year's citrus campaign could be compromised if the drought persists. They hope for rain that will benefit the plants. However, Antonio Forcina emphasizes, "As the farmers say, one must also fear hailstorms in the middle of summer, which are worse than drought."
© Forcina Antonio
Forcina products are available throughout Italy via various distribution channels, including large-scale retail, wholesale, and direct sales. Recently, the company entered the school canteen and restaurant segments. Exports are primarily directed towards Belgium, Poland, France, Germany, and Great Britain, with a notable share of goods being sent to Eastern Europe, particularly Slovenia, Croatia, and Poland.
For more information:
Forcina Srl
Via della Torre, 91
Fondi (LT) - Italy
+39 0771 513800
+39 335 7730696
[email protected]
www.antonioforcina.it
