The persistent cold weather in the Mediterranean region has also significantly slowed down vegetation in the southern Italian stone fruit growing regions - Puglia and Sicily. "We are about 14 days behind the normal schedule for all stone fruits," says Peter Haas, managing director of the eponymous company and Italy specialist at the Vienna Wholesale Green Market. "Last year at this time of year, we were already trading stone fruit by the pallet; currently, we're only trading by colli."
The tight supply situation is also reflected in the price situation, he continues. "Prices are immensely high, given the circumstances, whether it's apricots, peaches or cherries. The latter item is currently offered at kilo prices around 25 euros. Personally, I can't remember such a price level at the start of the season." Nevertheless, the fruit merchant is cautiously optimistic. "We're only at the beginning of the season, and we won't be able to give more precise information on volume availability and price levels until mid-May."
In recent years, demand for Italian stone fruits has been quite stable, according to Haas. "Flat peaches have increased slightly, furthermore, apricots in particular are still in high demand in Austria. Although we source the bulk of our fruit range from Italy, we are now offering Spanish apricots to tide us over, and they are doing very well in terms of quality."
Later in the year - from mid/late July, Hungarian as well as domestic apricots also hit the market. "Until deep into June, we can still draw from the full range of Italian apricots. It must also be said that we hardly feel any competition with Italian apricots, especially in the premium segment."
While the stone fruit season is relatively late in getting going, the Italian strawberry harvest is approaching its peak. Haas says, "In terms of quality and quantity, we are very satisfied. We are even observing a slight oversupply, but so far this has not affected the price level. On the contrary, the strawberry business is a lot of fun at the moment."
Further information:
Peter Haas
Haas Obst, Gemüse und Südfrüchte GmbH
Großmarkt Inzersdorf
1230 Wien
Fon: +43 1 6175732
[email protected]
www.facebook.com/obsthaas/