Giuseppe Ventura, owner of the company La Zucca Rossa, based at the Centro Agro Alimentare di Napoli (CAAN) and specialising in the marketing of pumpkins and artichokes, has reported that the artichoke season is satisfactory in terms of both production and sales.
"Artichokes were never lacking this year. Even in the most critical moments, such as the March frost, supplies did not stop. Flowering was abundant in Puglia and, although plants initially produced fewer flower heads than expected, the market is now well supplied." There is no lack of quality, and sales remain stable despite some physiological slowdowns. "We collaborate with the best artichoke suppliers in Puglia."
© La Zucca Rossa Di Ventura S.R.L.
As for the Romanesco type, there is a certain slowness in sales, especially in the period approaching Easter, which usually represents a peak for artichoke consumption. "I cannot explain why, but this year, the demand for Romanesco artichokes is lukewarm." The situation is different for Violetto, which continues to be in demand: "It sells well, especially because it is affordable. At the moment, it is sold on the market at €0.20 to €0.40 euro per head, while purchase prices fluctuate between €0.12 and €0.30, depending on the area and quality." The Apulian campaign will continue at least until 20 May. "I count on having product available for the whole month of May, thanks also to the late harvests that are stored in the cellar," he says.
Ventura also emphasises the excellent performance of the Egyptian product, which is still available and much appreciated. "The quality of Egyptian artichokes this year was exceptional, probably the best ever. Local operators have improved a lot."
© La Zucca Rossa Di Ventura S.R.L.
On the pumpkin front, Red Pumpkins have had a growing season, with steady demand and rising prices. "From the start of the Christmas campaign onwards, they have always sold well. Today, prices range from €1.00 to €1.40/kg, while lower qualities start at €0.80-0.90. We cannot complain."
© La Zucca Rossa Di Ventura S.R.L.After closing the Italian campaign in Basilicata, the wholesaler continued with imports from Egypt, which this year stood out thanks to the Muscat of Provence pumpkin in terms of quality. The first shipments from South Africa will enter the market soon, to be followed by Morocco. "South African pumpkins are spectacular, and in 10 days, we will also start with Moroccan pumpkins. Moroccan pumpkins are products that I follow personally: I send the seeds, indicate the treatments to be done, and supervise the production processes from start to finish. This is because my customers demand high standards and strict certifications."
Particular attention is paid to Morocco, which Ventura considers a key country for the development of quality fruit and vegetable cultivation. "Compared to Egypt, Morocco has a more modern and agricultural approach, similar to Italy. But we have changed everything, even with the Egyptian suppliers, since we have been collaborating. I follow them very closely."
Zucca Rossa manages to guarantee constant quality throughout the year, alternating between Italian and imported products. "The foreign pumpkin campaign will continue at least until 20 July. In the last part of June, we will return to harvest the Italian product, the Lunga di Scafati pumpkins. But we will always continue to support both origins because demand is high and our aim is never to remain uncovered when it comes to artichokes or pumpkins," Ventura concludes.
Article photos provided by Giuseppe Ventura
For more information:
www.lazuccarossadiventurasrl.it