"Optimism and confidence for one of the best campaigns in recent years"

There is enthusiasm among the producers of Uva da Tavola di Mazzarrone PGI. After multiple complicated seasons, the 2025 campaign is being characterised by positive signs from both the production and commercial points of view. This is confirmed by Gianni Raniolo, president of the consortium, who illustrates a very different situation from that experienced in the past.

"The current situation is definitely encouraging. Harvesting operations have proceeded smoothly, and the grapes have arrived on the markets in optimal condition. Purchase prices in the field have increased by between 20 and 30% compared to last year, and this has generated peace of mind among producers."

The market has contributed significantly to this momentum. In fact, this year Sicily was able to count on larger trade windows thanks to a delayed production from Puglia and less competitive pressure from Egypt. "We have benefited from a less saturated market, which has allowed us to adequately value our product in the main European outlet markets such as Italy, France, and southern Germany."

This is good news which, after months characterised by international tensions and economic uncertainties, has an even greater value. The most encouraging signal, however, is intangible: "Today, we can see a new light in the eyes of our producers. Economic serenity generates confidence, a desire to do, and to plan for the future. And this is the spirit with which we are looking to the next season."

© Consorzio di Tutela dell'Uva da Tavola di Mazzarrone IGP

Among the best-performing varieties is Victoria, which has stood out due to its production yield and commercial appeal alongside increasingly popular seedless cultivars. The good campaign is already stimulating new investments: "Several of our members have ordered rooted cuttings for new plantings, many of them focused on seedless varieties, although the traditional varietal segmentation will be kept in place."

Commercially, the European basin remains the main point of reference, with a growing share of exports to North African countries and the Arabian Peninsula. Sicilian grapes continue to find space in the Arab Emirates, in particular. Raniolo points out: "We are working mainly by air, with premium varieties destined for a demanding clientele, and medium to high-end grapes for local big retail chains. Containers have been few this year due to logistical problems, but shipments by air have guaranteed punctuality and quality."

The Emirates, and more generally the Gulf area, remain key markets. "You can reach the entire surrounding basin from Dubai, from Qatar to other Arab countries. It is a strategic area where we want to continue to grow."

New packaging and an increasingly recognisable PGI mark
As far as future developments are concerned, the Consortium is committed to adapting the packaging to the new market requirements, with 500 g solutions designed for seedless grapes, which are increasingly appreciated. In addition, work continues to strengthen the recognisability of the PGI mark also in the foreign markets.