Harvesting starts in May when the leaves are still green. Once the ripening cycle is over and the leaves are completely dry, the plant is eradicated and left to dry for one week on the ground. Then the plants are braided so as to form bunches.
This type of processing (2 kg bunch packed in six bunches per crate) is popular with market buyers. During the months between May and September, around 230 tons are sold, although this year they are a little less than 2013.
Prices have fluctuated quite a lot. At the start of the campaign (May-June), they went down because there was a lot of produce available, then they increased considerably thanks to lively demand and a lower supply.
Overall, average prices in 2014 were 2.50% higher than 2013 with 30% less produce on the market.
Here is the quantity and price trend:
Months | Tons | Expected price | Gross value in € |
January | |||
February | |||
March | |||
April | |||
May | 522 | 1.82 | 95,004.00 |
June | 467 | 1.60 | 74,720.00 |
July | 430 | 2.32 | 99,760.00 |
August | 330 | 2.04 | 67,320.00 |
September | 210 | 2.68 | 55,210.00 |
This type of processing will be less available in the future and labour costs are too high with respect to the prices achieved.