The anticipation for the new garlic campaign is palpable among Italian producers, with the harvesting of the earliest varieties fast approaching. "It is almost harvest time," says Antonio Tuccillo, administrator of Agrimpex Farming. "For the earliest varieties, operations will start in late April/early May. This phase will continue throughout May and June, extending into July with the typical productions of the provinces of Piacenza and Rovigo, as well as for the red garlic from Sulmona."
Italian garlic field
Expectations are high not only in Italy but throughout Europe, as producers are anxious to see how the season will develop. "In the meantime, a year is coming to a close that has seen a general lack of product throughout Europe, with an increase in imports from South America and, above all, from China. We had to pay the extra duty of €1.20/kg, plus a further 10%," explains Tuccillo, emphasizing the economic challenge this entailed.
However, the positive forecasts have been downgraded due to reports of a particularly high yield in Egypt. "This situation could negatively influence the prices of new European productions by lowering them."
Spanish braided garlic in the Agrimpex Farming warehouses
"In addition, the threat of new duties from the United States is a further obstacle, because they could weigh heavily on exports from Spain, which has built up a solid position in the international market year after year. In our warehouses, we currently have Spanish braided garlic and Chilean dried garlic."
The current situation of the garlic market in Spain is quite critical. "The country is out of stock. This supply deficit has inevitably led to an increase in prices, which are now skyrocketing."
Chilean dried garlic
In this context, the unknown factor due to the weather conditions plays a crucial role. "The weather will be decisive for the quality and price prospects for the new campaign. Weather conditions could significantly influence both the quantity and quality of the harvest."
Meanwhile, Italian markets are preparing to welcome the first volumes of fresh Egyptian garlic, which will be available from next week. "We have already imported fresh garlic from Egypt. Italian consumers will soon have access to it on the domestic market. The fresh product is to be considered a niche product and consumption is always very small and never important."
Fresh Egyptian garlic
In summary, as the European garlic industry prepares for a new season, economic and climatic challenges remain central to the concerns of producers and exporters.
Article photos provided by Antonio Tuccillo
For more information: agrimpexfarming.it
