"We are exporting the Spunta potato variety to Italy, which is very popular both in Southern and Northern Tunisia. Because of the sandy Tunisian soil, we manage to have potatoes with a light-coloured peel that are very appreciated in Italy. Other varieties, such as Bellini or Nicola, are not available in big numbers are they are not normally planted by growers if not upon request."
In addition, the company is also exporting watermelons, though volumes requested are not big because of low consumption, as the weather in Italy was rather cold up until the first week of July. "Furthermore, watermelons from Sicily are already available, and often they have really competitive prices."
"We also have excellent quality red garlic available. Maybe the price is a little high at the moment, though quality and taste are exceptional."
Agri Didon Tunisia is getting ready for the next dried tomato campaign, which should start shortly. Some growers have already started drying tomatoes in Southern Tunisia, even thought the season will only start in a few weeks' time, at the beginning of July. "At the moment, the weather is still changeable and, in order to dry tomatoes properly, hot and dry weather is needed."
Agri Didon Tunisia is getting ready for the next dried tomato campaign, which should start shortly. Some growers have already started drying tomatoes in Southern Tunisia, even thought the season will only start in a few weeks' time, at the beginning of July. "At the moment, the weather is still changeable and, in order to dry tomatoes properly, hot and dry weather is needed."
Volumes available
"The campaign is good both as regards crop and seasonal potatoes, which should be available until mid-July. We will therefore manage to satisfy all requests."
The same goes for watermelons: at the moment those produced in Central Tunisia are already available, as the season in the South is ending. In a month's time, the Northern ones will be ready, which will be available until September, though it is very difficult to export them to Italy as their prices are not competitive enough."
As regards garlic, the campaign has just started so there are no availability problems.
Sales trend
"The prices of our potatoes are good: if we compare them to 2012, they are higher this year because of the lack of potatoes in Italy. We think that prices will not drop for the whole Summer campaign."
As regards watermelons, however, initially high prices dropped because of the lack of demand due to the weather. As for garlic, prices are still slightly high, especially considering that they are early varieties, but they will drop in the next few weeks.
"Despite the crisis, at the moment the demand for agricultural products in general is high. The purchasing power of Italian consumers has been reduces, but people still buy basic agrifood products. Even if there are some difficulties in payments we can say that, compared with other sectors, the fruit and vegetable one has not really been affected by the crisis."
Contacts:
Sami Chaari
Agri Didon Tunisia
76, Avenue Habib Bourguiba Appt A-1-1
2080 Ariana (Tunisia)
Cell.: +216 22 33 74 10
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.agrididon-tunisia.com
