Italy: The organic table grape market is growing

FreshPlaza talked about Sicilian organic table grapes to Salvatore Consoli, CEO at Si.Fa.Bio.. The company has clients both in Europe and overseas.

+15% production
"I can say the campaign has gone rather well in terms of both volumes (+15%) and quality. So far, everything has been rather satisfactory. Compared to last year, prices were 5% higher on average. Late varieties also seem to be doing well. Appearance is good and production is going well. We are also starting with pink grapes and we are about to start with Italia grapes. I think harvesting will start around 10th August."

"Our markets are mainly European, with Switzerland followed by France, Belgium and Germany. But considerable quantities are also shipped overseas. International consumers appreciate organic grapes from Mazzarrone a lot and demand is increasing." 

"Produce destined overseas is shipped mainly in containers. Grapes arrive in Gioia Tauro, Catania or Syracuse by truck and leave from there. As regards the European markets, refrigerated trucks leave every day for Germany and France. As for Switzerland, the produce reaches it on trucks but is then distributed by train."

"A few years ago, we started shipping fruit by air for the most demanding clients. We currently reach Fiumicino by road, and then the grapes are taken to North America or the Middle East. This way, clients have grapes available only two days after they are harvested."
Organic and biodynamic grapes, a winning combination