In the area surrounding Foggia, in Puglia, the harvesting of courgettes and broccoli has started. Giovanni Pasquariello, the owner of the Azienda Agricola Pasquariello Giovanni di Carapelle, told to FreshPlaza, “Fortunately, our fields were not affected by the bad weather. It did not rain much and we had no hailstorms. Consequently, the courgettes did not have any diseases. The production levels are equal to one year ago. However, the prices are not satisfying due to the Spanish competitor”.
“The campaign started very well. Initially, the prices oscillated between 0.80/1.00 euros per kilo. Currently, the prices went slightly down at 0.60 euros per kilo because of the greater presence of courgettes on different markets. At the moment, we are exporting to the UK. Additionally, we are working together with some Italian supermarket chains and part of our products – of first choice and bigger size – goes to the frozen food industry, as well.
We are increasing the hectares for growing courgette. The average yield – between September and October – is 35 tons/hectare.
Giovanni continues, “We started last week with the Naxos broccoli variety. There is quite a demand, and the prices are fairly profitable. We increased with 20% the cultivated area. Currently, we are selling to the Big Italian distribution and we are also exporting our product to Germany”. As the volumes get bigger, we will start exporting also in Eastern Europe, the Czech Republic, Poland and Switzerland.
“The product is available both in a package or in bulk. Sales are facilitated by excellent quality and competitive prices. Again, Spain is our major competitor regarding broccoli.
In 10-15 days, the Pasquariello company is going to start the fennel season. “We have a 20% bigger area only for fennels. Therefore, we are expecting a greater yield to distribute to our clients”.
Info:
Giovanni Pasquariello
Cell.: +39 328 9126249
Azienda Agricola Pasquariello Giovanni
C.da trionfo 1
71041 Carapelle (FG)
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.agricolapasquariello.it