Conventional and organic arugula, valerian, and spinach are just a few examples of baby leaf lettuce in Italy. Summer sales were not an unqualified success, even though the demand was high. The outlook for winter doesn't look good either. We talked about this with Alfonso Altamura, a partner in the Altamura family business and president of Op Altamura, a growers' association in the southern Italian region of Campania.
"The summer season has not been good. Problems increased, costs remained high, and the retail sector did not react in a way expected of them," says Altamura. "And for the winter season, some European customers have already started asking for lower prices. That is unacceptable, especially when we are already hearing that fuel prices will go up again."
Saudi Arabia and Russia, two OPEC-plus countries, have extended their oil production cuts until December. The price of agricultural fuel has already risen sharply in recent weeks.
"There is no margin for a price reduction. By the way, despite all the difficulties, we are keeping the same prices as last year," the chairman continued. "We cannot cut labor costs because labor is crucial to a crop farm, and the cost of living has gone up for everyone. And on top of that, the climate change is testing us. We are expecting a very difficult season."
In terms of cultivation, Altamura says that the use of pesticides is on the decline, while at the same time, they are becoming more and more expensive. "But without the necessary pesticides, how can we control the aphids or mites that attack crops?"
Another aspect Altamura is keen to point out is that almost all fruits and vegetables have become more expensive, with the exception of baby leaf and packaged lettuce. "These products have a fairly stable price throughout the year, which, of course, gives consumers peace of mind. Over the past two years, the price of a bag of mixed lettuce or arugula in most major supermarket chains has remained unchanged at around €1.20. But the right price should be 10-15% higher, a percentage that can be shared among the different operators in the chain."
"Wholesale markets are only one part of sales," referring to the increase in the price of Italian arugula at the Berlin wholesale market in August. "You also need to consider what is happening in the retail sector. In addition, if there is a local product available in Germany, that's what will be used, like in Switzerland and Austria. Imports only have complementary value," says Alfonso Altamura.
Altamura and Op Altamura will be present at Fruit Attraction (Madrid, October 3-5, 2023) in Hall 3, Stand 3C05H/3C05I. "At the fair, we will defend the solidity and seriousness of our company, which is clearly reflected in our product lines," concludes Altamura.
For more information:
Op Altamura
via Pacinotti
Pontecagnano Faiano (SA) - Italy
[email protected]
www.opaltamura.com