The pomegranate harvest in Calabria has started about ten days earlier than usual. Members of the Agricor producers' organisation in Corigliano Rossano (Cosenza) have carried out the first harvests, while the first seasonal deliveries for distribution left the Calabrian plant last Monday. The fruit, which is marketed under the Gallo brand or the distributor's own brand, is grown on about one hundred hectares.
"We have started with the earliest varieties, Ako and Shani, medium sized fruits that have already developed a good brix and a correct balance with acidity," explains Natalino Gallo, president of the producers' organisation. "We are facing a normal production, not abundant, but sufficient to meet market demands. The heat has affected the orchard's development, but for now, internal and external colour and organoleptic characteristics respect our high standards. We have reason to be optimistic. The quality is promising and we are confident that the campaign, after a few difficult years with low volumes, will be rewarding enough for our members."
The warm season has accelerated the ripening of the pomegranate, which is a guarantee of sweetness and colour. "We now hope that the weather will have a positive effect on sales. "The plants need a dry climate and if the temperatures drop, as predicted, consumption will also be affected. Once the early product is harvested, around 10-15 October, we will move on to Wonderful, the queen of the pomegranates, and the campaign will be in full swing."
Op Agricor has segmented its pomegranate supply by offering conventional, organic and Zero Residue products. The fruits are marketed in 2-fruit and 4-fruit flow packs, while the Zero Residue is offered in 4-fruit packs, and there are also the classic 30x40 and 30x50 corrugated trays. "The market seems to be receptive: in addition to Italy, we have started planning to export to Europe," concludes Natalino Gallo. "In particular, new partnerships have been established with distributors in Germany and Belgium."
For more information: www.gallofrutta.net/it