Usually Easter means increased consumption (and prices) of artichokes but, this year, they were the exception, as they were "the only product with constant quotations," explains Renzo Mainetti, owner of Novafrut. It was strawberries and asparagus that stood out.
"The nice weather of last week encouraged strawberry consumption. The best produce - the Candonga variety from Basilicata - is sold at €4/kg, others reach €2.50/kg. Last week, they increased by 50 cents per kg."
In the meantime, asparagus prices are also increasing. "The good weather in the growing areas pushed production yet volumes were not enough to meet the demand, so prices were very high. Extra-quality asparagus were sold at €7/kg, whereas medium-quality ones, i.e. the most common, hover between €4.50 and €5/kg. Lower-quality ones are sold at €3-3.50/kg."
Nothing lasts forever though, "as prices are already going down as produce from Sardinia, Apulia and Campania is due and we are expecting a drop of €1 per kg on average," concludes Mainetti.
Author: Andrea Minghelli
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