This, according to Mr. Carmelo Calabrese from Consorzio Fonteverde in Ispica (Sicily).
"We must distinguish between prime peppers, which are processed in boxes (single-layer) and second grade ones, which are processed in crates (double layers). In the first case, the average sale price was €1.80, whereas for the others the average sale price was €1.35."
With respect to last year, quotations have increased by 20-25%. "I think that it does not depend on consumption, but rather on the supply available. For example, in our area (Ispica) we may be the only ones cultivating peppers in tunnels, which are usually mostly produced in Licata. There is a tendency to cultivate less peppers, as they are quite expensive and quite demanding from a production point of view."
The Fonteverde Consortium only cultivates peppers in a protected environment. Transplants are carried out between mid-July until the end of September. "This year, we have postponed some transplants until the end of September in order to have fresh produce also during February and March."
Around 20 hectares are dedicated to pepper cultivation in a protected environment. Thanks to good weather, with less rain (almost 50% less) than last year (when 800 mm of water fell from the 1st of August to the 31st of July), there have been far less problems regarding fungal diseases and therefore the produce performed well once harvested.
"As regards volumes, this year we have commercialised around 1,200 tons of produce. We work both with red (60%) and yellow (40%) peppers: the red varieties are Pepita (Syngenta), Soberano,Yahoo (MedHermes), Altea (Fitò) and Asideo (Monsanto); the yellow varieties are Gold Queen, Raggio and Collina (Syngenta)."
"We mainly worked with national mass retailing (65%), though we also did something with wholesale trading centres (35%) especially in Bologna, Brescia, Milan, Turin and Padua. Our main competitor is Spain, as they have lower prices than ours. When Spain sends little produce, demand increases and prices do as well."
As for the future, Calabrese says that, "we must be more competitive. From a production point of view, we must carry out research in terms of variety and quality. The real challenge is to have a sustainable product, reducing the use of pesticides. Therefore, we are aiming at a healthier product, to be obtained day after day by using integrated control."
From a commercial point of view, the Consortium aims at extending the commercialisation calendar. "We managed to do it this year, as the produce was available until February and March, though it would be difficult to have it for longer.
In fact, in order to optimise production costs, we always try to have a 'double campaign' i.e., to alternate cultivation in tunnels. In April, we dismantle everything and start with melon or watermelon crops. If we were to extend the pepper calendar, we would lose the following campaign."
Packaging
As regards prime peppers, 30x50 (3.5 kg) and 40x60 (4.5 kg) cardboard basket boxes are used. "For second grade produce, we usually use wooden double-layer 6 kg crates. Peppers are processed manually, we don't have special machines, though of course we have some lines for crate packaging."
The Consortium works a lot within Italy although other products, e.g., carrots, are exported. "It's true that there is a decrease in consumption and that demand has contracted, though we manage to sell abroad, which is an essential channel to achieve commercial success."
The Consortium works a lot within Italy although other products, e.g., carrots, are exported. "It's true that there is a decrease in consumption and that demand has contracted, though we manage to sell abroad, which is an essential channel to achieve commercial success."
Contacts:
Dott. Carmelo Calabrese
Consorzio Fonteverde - Società Consortile Agricola A.R.L.
C.da Fontanazza CP. 69
97014 Ispica (RG)
Tel.: (+39) 0932 951484
Fax: (+39) 0932 951200
Cell.: (+39) 335 7391373
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.fonteverde.com