This was reported by Federico Barbi (in the photo), sales director for Consorzio Melinda. "We are certain the next campaign will last 12 months. We are perfectly in line with destocking plans and, after the cold front that hit not only Italy but all of Europe, we are trying to slow sales down by increasing the prices. In fact, instead of ending sales on September 15th, we will extend the campaign to 15th-20th October. An additional month will enable us to make higher margins on the new season."
According to Barbi, lower quantities will be collected in 2017, but it shouldn't be a total disaster. "Often things look bad at first, but we had to deal with similar situations in the past. Of course there will be less produce available, so competitors will try to offer the lowest price."
A new cold front is expected. "For the moment, it's finally raining, which helps a lot as we were starting to experience drought problems. The cold front expected should not be as harsh as last week. We will use anti-frost systems where available. Alternatively, we are experimenting with artificial heating through cannons. Of course, with 7,000 hectares, it's rather difficult to reach each single tree."
Consorzio VOG producers were also prepared against frost after early blossoming.
"Most of the apple orchards on the plain can be protected with anti-frost irrigation, which we used more than once. For some orchards located higher up or on which we could not use this system due to the wind, we calculated a loss of 20-30%," explains director Gerhard Dichgans (in the photo).
"Most of the producers managed to protect their crops, however more precise data will be available only in a few days' time."
For further information:
Consorzio Melinda Sca
Tel.: (+39) 0463 671111
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.melinda.it
VOG - Consorzio delle Cooperative Ortofrutticole dell'Alto Adige
Email: [email protected]
Web1: www.marlene.it
Web2: www.vog.it
