FreshPlaza interviewed Giovanni Gullino, general director and purchase manager of the Italian company Gullino, to review the trend of kiwifruit marketing campaign.FP - How is the marketing trend of the product at the moment? What is the ratio between demand and offer?
GG - At the moment we are at an important crossroad for kiwifruit marketing this season. We are in the pipeline with shipments to destinations near New Zealand and Chile, but also in Europe the interest towards the product is expected to increase.
FP - How are prices of kiwifruit compared the same period of last year?
GG - We sell the product at a lower price, a 20% decrease compared last year, but we expect a 4-5% recovery next month. This low price is due to an increase in production and New Zealand stocks of product, ran out too late.
FP - How has the climate influenced the production cycle so far?
GG - Unfortunately the climate is shaking the balance in our planet. Most harvested kiwifruits in northern Italy were affected by the severe frosts of the last few days.
FP - Which foreign countries are you competing with?
GG - Italian kiwifruit concurs with all producing countries. This is the effect of globalisation that, specifically in season, put in competition those people who produce the same fruit varieties.
FP - What are your main destination markets and what about volumes annually?
GG - Spain, the UK, Brazil, India, North America, Far East, Middle East and others are the main markets. We pack and send about 35,000 tons of kiwifruit per year.
Contact:GULLINO Import/Export
SS. 589 Laghi di Avigliana 8/a
12037 Saluzzo (CN)
Phone: +39 (0)175 478211
Fax: +39 (0)175 478280
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.gullino.it