June is over and, despite the abundant production, Conad stone fruit sales were not penalised. High-quality cherries, peaches, nectarines and apricots sold well. "Of course produce was available everywhere and at all kinds of prices, but our choices repaid us."
Gian Marco Guernelli fresh produce procurement manager for Conad
We have talked to Gian Marco Guernelli, fresh produce procurement manager for Conad, for his comment on stone fruit consumption. "Trends are positive. Cherries, peaches, nectarines, apricots, melons and watermelons sold well in June too."
"This was also due to the high temperatures, which led people to buying more fresh produce. But we mustn't stray from high-quality, we need to do our best to have good produce at all times."
Guernelli stresses that the high temperatures and adverse weather events do not favour high-quality in the fields. Producers must be careful to get good results. People often only associate high-quality with grades and colour: the bigger the fruit and the deeper its colour, the better it sells. "But it is not enough, the produce must taste good as well, otherwise customers won't come back."
"At Conad, we try to purchase produce from selected suppliers, therefore we must deal with operators along the entire chain. I would like to always have available fruit that is perfect and perfectly ripe, but that's not always possible. The entire process must be managed property and professionally."
Guernelli has worked as Quality inspector for many years, so he knows what he is talking about. "If producers work well and are not rewarded, the entire chain is affected. High-quality products should always be rewarded with a fair price however, when supply exceeds demand, producers are penalised."
Some special offers are planned well in advance, while others aren't and are planned weekly instead.
As regards the future, Guernelli is rather optimist. "Quantities of some species are expected to diminish and, if temperatures remain high, people will buy more fruit and vegetables."
