Farmers in South Tyrol grow strawberries between 800 and 1400 metres above sea level, and are currently experiencing a good market. Quality is excellent, and all the produce is grown under cover. Harvesting began at the end of May, one week earlier than in 2024.
"Our suppliers pack the strawberries in the fields by placing them in 250-gram punnets. Then the punnets are put into 30x40 cartons (8 punnets per carton), for a net weight of 2 kg per package. Prices these days are good and range between €12 and 13 per package," explains Markus Tscholl, coordinator of Asta Frutta Alto Adige.
© Cristiano Riciputi | FreshPlaza.comMarkus Tscholl
Strawberries are then mostly bought from wholesalers or specialised chains in central and northern Italy.
The coordinator points out: "There are no auctions for berries: In the morning, the producers harvest and tell me the expected quantities. Already in the course of the morning, our sales staff makes arrangements with the buyers. By 2 p.m., the producers deliver to our centres and, by 4 p.m., the berries leave for their destination. Everything is delivered to customers by the evening or overnight, i.e., in less than 18 hours from harvesting."
© Asta Egma
Harvesting of other berries is also starting in South Tyrol. "We have harvested the first blueberries. These are placed in 125-gram punnets, with a total of 1 kg per carton. The price is around €10 per kg these days. The first cherries will start to be delivered at the end of June, and raspberries from mid-July. The temperature difference between day and night in our mountains favours the colour, flavour, and aroma of our fruit," concludes the coordinator.
For more information
Asta Frutta Alto Adige
Vilpiano (BZ),
+39/0471 676511
[email protected]
www.astafrutta.it
