Strawberries sales have not changed even in the most uncertain times

Even in these difficult weeks, strawberry is one of those few products that have always been popular on the market. "The general uncertainty due to the dramatic and conflictual situation we are experiencing at a global scale could push consumers to reduce purchases for some fruit and vegetable products, such as strawberries. Yet this is not happening, fortunately".

"Strawberries have always been regarded as the first fruit of the season. We have not noticed any difference, in terms of orders. On the contrary, on some days, we have not been able to fully meet the demand, because, due to the weather, the quantities harvested were not so high," added Carmela Suriano, director of Compagnia delle Primizie.

Carmela Suriano

"In the last weeks, we have not even felt the pressure of foreign competitors, the Spanish ones above all, because even in those areas the climatic conditions affected the cultivations. Now, countries that usually export to those markets currently affected by the war in Ukraine may be redirecting their products to different European destinations. So, for instance, Greece might export to Italy, considering the close proximity. We anyway trust in the operators, large-scale retail trade and general markets, which have always rewarded and preferred the domestic product, so far."

Marimbella cultivation

"Marimbella, Rossetta® (NSG 120), and Melissa are the 3 strawberry varieties we are currently marketing. In these first three months of the year, the climate has not been particularly favorable for the production of strawberries, but the strategy of having chosen early cultivars capable of producing even during winter months and with less-than-ideal conditions is reaping rewards and allowing us to obtain good results, both in terms of harvest volumes and prices".

Marimbella strawberry box

"With Marimbella, we have so far reached 300 gr/plant, volumes that in a particular year like this are certainly an important result, while with Rossetta (the strawberry appreciated by buyers and consumers for its organoleptic characteristics, such as high Brix degree, sweet taste, and aromatic pulp) we are about to enter into full production. Same thing for Melissa, for which we have currently harvested about 250 grams/plant".