The market is stable, though prices are not particularly profitable. Plum harvesting is in full swing and some varieties are doing rather well.
"The harvesting of Dofi Sandra is over while sales are continuing. Prices have been rather good from the start, though we have found it hard to place the riper produce. The harvesting of the Sorriso, Goccia d'Oro, Shiro and Anna Bianca varieties is in full swing," explains Mauro Battistini, director of Orogel Fresco.
As for packaging, Battistini stresses that "1 kg punnets are the most popular with retailers although, lately, they have been requesting 500 gram punnets with smaller grades. This way, consumers can purchase fewer fruits with less risk of wasting them."
Over the past few days, some producers harvested the Fortune variety who, according to Battistini, shouldn't be harvested before 16th July.
Fortune plums harvested on 9th July in Campania (photo taken from Facebook): notice that they are too green and the Brix level certainly won't increase in fridges
"A product that is not fully ripe is not appreciated by consumers, who then decide not to repurchase it. Harvesting must be carried out according to a precise logic and should not be hastened to earn a few cents more."
As for quantities, the fruit was not damaged by the spring frost, except in the Latina area.