OP Giaccio Frutta reports a general lack of produce in line with the data illustrated during the Forum Peschicoltura Europea.
"Nonetheless, the peach and nectarine campaign started very well for us. Grades are higher than last year and the rain favoured the development of the fewer fruits left. This campaign, there won't be any difficulty to place the smaller fruits. We are currently harvesting Big Bang nectarines in in Basilicata, in Puglia and in Caserta. In a few weeks' time, it'll be the turn of Percoca, white and Saturn peaches," explains producer Antonio Giaccio (in the photo).
Sales are easy, although a few producers were hoping for higher prices. Weather permitting, no big changes are expected over the next couple of months. "Quantities are lower and there is no pressure from the Spanish produce. Finally supermarkets have started giving precedence to the domestic produce."
In order to extend the commercialisation calendar (early May to October), nectarines come from both open fields and greenhouses. As for the latter, OP Giaccio collaborates with Spinosa and Dinardo.
In the photo: Angelo and Rosario Spinosa.
"While we're not too worried about Spain but we are starting to be concerned about Greece. It has become stronger over the past few years and, while I believe quality is not very good, prices are affordable and a few markets are favouring Greek productions."
As for apricots, Antonio stresses the difference between traditional and red hue varieties. "Volumes are not abundant."
Despite working mainly on the Italian market, the foreign demand of medium-small grades is good, especially in Poland and Scandinavia. "Switzerland and Austria are instead like Italy, where medium-large grades are more popular."
As for cherries, the early Bigarreau had a few cracking problems because of the rain, while the quality of Ferrovia and Giorgia is better yet demand is slow. "The cherry market is not so positive, also because of the fact cultivated hectares have increased."
Contacts:
OP Giaccio Frutta soc. coop. agricola
Località Fontana
881041 Vitulazio (CE)
Tel.: +39 (0)823 990686
Fax: +39 (0)823 967621
Email: giacciofrutta@libero.it
Web: www.giacciofrutta.it