"France has outperformed Germany in export quotas"

Calabrian clementines from the Piana di Sibari are showing good quality this year. "Primarily of size 3 and 4, this is a product that is processed well, with almost zero disputes. All this is helping us when it comes to sales, despite the general price increases and the fact that Italian and foreign customers are struggling to accept rising purchase prices." Thus Antonio Malagrinò (pictured right), sales manager of AGRIFAAM, a company that, under the Fruttone brand, produces and markets fresh fruits and vegetables grown only organically.

"Thanks to the quality of the clementines, we were able to maintain medium-high prices and steady sales in November. In addition, this year we joined the Consortium for the Protection of the PGI Clementines of Calabria as a member in order to bring added value to our product. With the Protected Geographical Indication, we had good results in France and satisfactory quotations were achieved, which allowed for a profit margin."

(Photo provided by Antonio Malagrinò)

According to Malagrinò, France is a destination that is growing year by year for the company's organic production. "The country has outperformed Germany in export shares. And, speaking of citrus, with regards to the Corsican clementine, we are not affected by the nationalist closure that is often seen for other products, such as kiwis and apricots. It is true that the Corsican clementine has priority, but the Italian alternative is also greatly appreciated. The German market, on the other hand, has become very fond of Spanish produce, and we are struggling to stand out, although Spanish prices are catching up with ours."

(Photo provided by Antonio Malagrinò)

In addition to France and Germany, there are other historical trade destinations AGRIFAAM collaborates with, including Denmark, Sweden and the Netherlands. "We are also receiving requests from other nations, especially Eastern Europe, but at the moment and by choice, we are focused on our loyal customers, operating at our best."

(Photo provided by Antonio Malagrinò)

In addition to citrus fruits, there are also Soreli and Hayward yellow kiwifruits. "This year, volumes are down compared to the same period last year, and the entire actinidia sector is also experiencing a drop in sales due to the strong presence of the Greek product, which is sold in our markets at really low quotations. Italian operators are not able to compete in this regard." However, Malagrinò pointed out that, from Christmas onward, the situation should unblock somewhat, especially for the yellow kiwi.

What is the forecast for 2023?
"We have to see how the Christmas period will go," concludes the sales manager. "Inflation is putting a strain on families, and instead of a 3-kilogram net of citrus fruits or a crate, only one kilogram is bought. We are waiting, for example, for a decrease in utility bills to see an increase in purchasing power again. In any case, the alarmism of September and October is over, and we are remaining confident. For 2023, as a company, we would like to increase the varietal range of oranges to be sold from January onward, to lengthen the season to April-May."

(Photo provided by Antonio Malagrinò)