The Italian citrus season is now gradually gaining momentum. "From week 47, we will have the first large quantities of Sicilian oranges from the Ribera brand available. However, due to the drought this year, we expect serious losses in quality and quantity. Some fruit is only half the size it should be. According to the latest forecasts, up to 60 per cent of the total volume will be unsaleable," predicts Francesco di Bari, Italy specialist and buyer/seller at Sapros GmbH at the Karlsruhe wholesale market.
© Hugo Huijbers | FreshPlaza.com
Italian Navelina oranges
Growing fears for the future
He points to the long-term consequences for the Sicilian citrus industry and the risk of further crop failures in the future. "Another year like this would be disastrous for many farms. We at Sapros are in the fortunate position of having a supplier who has water management well under control. However, large parts of Sicily lack good, sustainable water resources," Di Bari continues.
Navelinas usually mark the start of the season and are replaced by Washington Navels from mid-December. The prices of both varieties are roughly the same and are currently at around the same level as last year. The first Tarocco blood oranges are also expected to hit the market in mid-December, followed later by Moro. According to the latest forecasts, quantities will be sufficient. "The old varieties are increasingly being replaced by those with a stronger coloration of the fruit peel. In general, we are seeing a trend toward increasing demand for blood oranges."
© Hugo Huijbers | FreshPlaza.comFrancesco di Bari shows leaf clementines of Italian origin. Prices are currently slightly above last year's level
Meanwhile, Sapros GmbH has been offering leaf clementines from the southern Italian growing region of Calabria since week 45. According to Di Bari, these are of the Corigliano Rossano variety, which is typically available until Christmas. In contrast to oranges, no serious yield losses are expected for leaf clementines for now. Sales have also gotten off to a particularly good start. "We are currently seeing encouraging demand, especially from weekly markets. Compared to oranges, the demand for leaf clementines is generally much higher. This is because Italian oranges are primarily highly valued in the Italian community, while clementines of Italian origin are generally considered a popular seasonal item."
© Hugo Huijbers | FreshPlaza.com
Successful grape campaign almost over
While the citrus campaign is picking up speed, the grape season is coming to an end. "We are now offering the last varieties of the season, such as light-colored Kelly grapes from Apulia (bottom picture) and blue Allison grapes (top picture) from Sicily. The first overseas grapes were already on offer in mid/late October, which is much earlier than 10-20 years ago." All in all, however, Di Bari can look back on a successful grape season: "In contrast to oranges, the dry weather once again played into our hands, allowing us to reap the full benefits in terms of quantity and quality."
© Hugo Huijbers | FreshPlaza.com
For more information:
Francesco Di Bari
Sapros GmbH
Karlsruhe Wholesale Market
Tel: +49 721 627650
[email protected]
www.sapros.de
