The new plant in Molinella (Emilia-Romagna).
"In October, volumes dropped by 8%, a fact that was only partly counterbalanced by an increase in prices. If for example the price of courgettes is affected immediately with a change in prices, it takes a little slower for that of potatoes."
"The weird climate of the last few months meant that some products such as broccoli, cauliflowers, tomatoes and courgettes were in direct competition with potatoes, so there is an explanation for the drop in volumes, even though higher prices limited damage."
"Eastern European (Ukraine, Czech Republic, Poland and Russia) productive data was recently published and they confirm that volumes are lower. Things are the same in Germany, and the only European country whose productive areas (+4%) and yields (+5-6%) are increasing is France, although it does not produce enough for everybody. The prices reflect that, as they are 15-20% higher than the same period in 2012. These drops have an immediate effect on stocks, as two months of slow consumption did not affect supply nor prices," clarifies the sales manager.
"Stocks in Italy are around 10% lower than last year. There may be just enough to reach the end of the campaign."
A positive sign is represented by the "willingness to sow" of some areas in Southern Italy, like e.g. "Sicily, which is currently planning sowing and taking new potato sowing much slower than expected. In fact, we were expecting double figure increases, but up to now the trend has been a little different. Probably, those able to get good prices during the last campaign will still sow, whereas the others will not invest.
"After two months of slow consumption, it seems unlikely that the balance will change. Stocks are not abundant and the cold weather has just arrived. There is still a long way to go and, after Easter 2014, stored potatoes will reach good prices."
"We still do not know how Christmas will go. Some think consumption will remain low because of the recession. A positive aspect could be that people will buy more from the usual distributors," concludes Roberto Chiesa.
Contacts:
Romagnoli F.lli spa
Roberto Chiesa
Via Quarto di Sopra 1/7
40127 Bologna
Tel.: (+39) 051 6069616
Fax: (+39) 051 6069608
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.romagnolipatate.it