"Something changed between 2012 and 2013. Up until December, the demand for cauliflowers was normal, but since January it has really slowed down," reports Stefano Calevi, sales manager of the F.lli. Calevi A. & S. (Alberto and Stefano) commercial farm.
Left to right: Stefano and Alberto Calevi with Dino Amici, the company's agronomist.
"Since the beginning of the year we have handled on average 200 hundredweight per day, rather than the 300 of the previous year. Prices have been hovering around €0.70-0.80 per kilo for the loose product and around €0.90 for pre-packed heads. In December, due to the low supply of produce, prices had risen to €1.50 per kilo."
Stefano has noticed a lack of demand from abroad as well, "In particular, we haven't received any orders from Hungary, which is weird, as it usually requires our products this time of year, and we do not know the cause for this."
White cauliflower.
Due to of a period of high rainfall, there has been a 20 day delay in harvest cycles. "Whereas in Puglia, where climate conditions are more favourable for the growth of cauliflowers, production has been good."
80% of the total production is made up of white cauliflowers, while the rest consists of Romanesco cauliflowers and Savoy cabbages. About this last product, Stefano explains that, "the price of Savoy cabbages is around €0.70, an increase with respect to last years' €0.55. This positive trend is due to the fact that there is less product available, as in Italy many cultivators no longer plant it as it isn't profitable. As far as our company is concerned, we market Savoy cabbages only at a national level."
Savoy cabbage.
The production season for the Viterbo area will last until the 15th of April thus, during the summer period (25th July - 5th September), the supply will come from Piana del Fucino (Abruzzo).
Savoy cabbage.
The production season for the Viterbo area will last until the 15th of April thus, during the summer period (25th July - 5th September), the supply will come from Piana del Fucino (Abruzzo).
Contacts:
AZ. AGR. F.LLI CALEVI Alberto e Stefano
Strada Vallalta, 8
01100 Viterbo - Italy
Tel.: +39 0761 360664
Fax: +39 0761 253147
Stefano: +39 335 7525553
Alberto: +39 335 7525554
Dott. Agr. Dino Amici: +39 335 7525556
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.fratellicalevi.com
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