Italy: Agrintesa focuses on current summer fruits season
“At the moment we are in the middle of the campaign: in Romagna we are harvesting and trading the highest quality varieties”, says Cristian Moretti (picture on the side), vice-director and storehouse coordinator at Agrintesa.
“Due to the hot weather in the last two-three weeks, production slowed down and fruits ripened slowly and gradually.”
“Moreover, due to hot weather fruits are small-sized and they are not in line with the variety standards. In this context, it should be increased the value of large-sized fruits in the market.”
“Nowadays the most important varieties of peaches and nectarines are arriving at the cooperative” Cristian continues. “We will see if the total yields are what we expected to be or less.”
At the moment, among the varieties of nectarines traded at Agrintesa, Big Top is the best and Cristian Moretti really appreciates its sugar content and organoleptic value. Other interesting varieties are Honey Blaze and Honey Kist (yellow-fleshed nectarines), Romagna Red and Magique (white-fleshed nectarines), Royal Glory and Rich Lady peaches.
Other varieties about to be traded are Feriala apricots, Dofi Sandra plums, red-fleshed plums of the group Black Diamond and 'Anna' yellow plums.
“This is the best of the fruits produced in Romagna. Agrintesa invested a lot on these varieties in terms of variety renewal, management and trading in line with the market’s demand and a large number of clients.”
“As far as peaches and nectarines are concerned, demand and supply have been balanced so far. Decent income has been recorded but we have to wait for the trend of the following weeks. We also hope that in continental Europe, weather will be favourable to the consumption.”
“About apricots, there are good quantities, more than last years. Plus, there is also a good trend for the finest and large-sized varieties. About plums, the campaign started well and at the moment the trend is constant.”
“Strawberries of partners from Cesena recorded a positive campaign with suitable prices”, Moretti finishes. “Cherry campaign was very profitable as well”.