The new strawberry season has officially started in the Basilicata region of southern Italy, immediately boosting sales for local companies.
Although the start of the harvest was slightly delayed compared to last year due to colder and rainier weather conditions, Maria Ferrara, sales manager of Lucana soc. coop. Agricola, expressed satisfaction with the production and commercial debut.
© Fe.Vi. Frutta Srl
In a traditionally quiet month like November, the strawberry harvest is crucial to driving commercial activity and bringing in predictable, sustainable income. "We started off strong, with high demand, even though quantities are currently limited."
The varieties leading this early phase of the season are Fortuna and RedSayra. "To maximize efficiency, harvesting is organized over three days a week thanks to the division of the fields into sectors, which allows for more targeted operations. Picking began around the second week of November, whereas last year, the first harvest took place on 29 October. Customers are aware that volumes are low at the moment, but they are expected to increase in the coming weeks."
© Fe.Vi. Frutta Srl
Although cooler temperatures have slowed down the harvesting process, the strong demand and the positive impact of the product on the market confirm the strategic importance of the start of the strawberry season in Basilicata. This makes strawberries a seasonal product that remains on shelves almost year-round.
To cope with the initial phase, which is characterized by limited volumes, the logistical strategy involves optimizing combinations. The limited quantities of strawberries supplied to each customer (approximately 30 parcels) are shipped with other items, such as oranges and Angeleno plums. This practice is useful because the Angeleno plum harvest, which began in September, is nearing completion. We supply the main markets in central and northern Italy, including Rimini, Cesena, Rome, Milan, and Vicenza. From a market point of view, strawberry prices remain stable without significant upward or downward fluctuations, and they are still considered very high," concludes Maria Ferrara.
For more information:
Lucana soc coop
Op Terre della Luce
Via Bellini,10
75025 Policoro (MT) - Italy
+39 0835 902998
i[email protected]
