The kiwi market has gained momentum in recent weeks. The Italian producers' organization Sapore di Romagna, located in Forlì in the Emilia-Romagna region, sells green kiwis to a market that is not only national but also European. "The product is of excellent quality and therefore suitable for storage," says manager Luca Canonici, "so we were not in a hurry to release it on the market. By mid-January, we had sold 30 percent, and we will sell the remaining 70 percent by the end of May."
Brothers Luca and Cristian Canonici
The kiwi available for sale is the result of the synergy between the two companies. "This year we have about 3500 tons of green kiwi in stock, which is an increase compared to the previous campaign. As of next fall, we will also have yellow kiwi fruit as part of the agreement with Jingold, with about 80 hectares dedicated to its production."
Of the 3500 tons available this year, about a thousand are organic kiwis. Regarding the market context, Canonici continues: "Until December 2024, kiwis grown in the southern hemisphere were still available on overseas markets, so we preferred to focus our attention on the European market. At the moment, the market is in turmoil, with demand soaring for a few days and then leveling off. It is a situation that occurs every year, but the good thing is that this time it has been happening since the beginning of January, before the flat calm of other seasons."
At this point in time, OP Sapore di Romagna sells half of its kiwi fruit on the Italian market and the other half on the European markets. "But, according to the agreements we have, in the coming months, sales abroad will exceed 60 percent."
From left, Enrico, Mattia, Luca, and Cristian Canonici inside the new factory. Enrico and Mattia represent the third-generation
"I am very confident about continuing the marketing campaign," concludes Canonici, "because I realize that the professional quality that we Italian operators have reached is very high, which is the result of 40 years' experience. This is why we can guarantee quality standards that meet the requirements of even the most demanding markets."
For more information:
Coop Sapore di Romagna Soc. Agr.
Via del Canale, 20/D
47122 Forlì
+39 0543 476344
[email protected]
www.saporediromagna.it