Spanish peppers have been very popular in winter in the past ten years. "This was not the case thirty years ago, when Sicily exported peppers all over Europe," explains Giorgio Bighelli from Perusi Srl, a wholesaler based in Verona.
Square peppers (California), selected by the Dutch and cultivated successfully in various areas of Spain, meet Italian demand from October/November until June. "We work with few selected suppliers that guarantee constant quality and a continuous supply."
Central and Northern Italy start producing in summer. "In Verona we produce Lamuyo peppers, whereas in winter the Spanish produce is the most popular."
As regards wholesale prices, they hover between €1 and €1.70/kg according to the category. "Prices were rather low for half of the campaign, but there are European countries that pay good prices."
"In the past, we used to sell mostly category I or Extra produce, whereas this year 60% of the sales is of category II. This is the only way retailers can sell their produce at around €2/kg and meet the spending capacity of final consumers. The consumption level is the same, but quality is lower. Category II is for fruit slightly non-standard but it is not a problem as usually peppers are cooked. It is us importers that have to deal with the fact that transportation and handling costs are still the same!"
Perusi Srl imports Spanish peppers in pallets holding 110 crates with 5 kg of loose produce. "Packed produce is more popular in Northern Europe as it is more expensive."