It's an exceptional year for Sicilian Lamuyo elongated peppers - the season started in March, and quotations have been high. We talked to OP Albani, located in Vittoria, to better understand the 2023 trend.
Giovanni Albani
"We have never seen such a brilliant campaign for peppers, especially considering that it is a long one, as the first produce was harvested in early March. We are expecting it to last until well into June, with supplies distributed to the fresh produce market," commented Giovanni Albani, sales manager of the PO.
"Despite the changing weather, the Sicilian Lamuyo pepper production boasts overall good quality. The main type grown in our area is the long one. Our producers specialize mainly in yellow and red peppers, as the green one is not as demanded by the chain."
"We supply domestic markets and supermarkets. We do ship some quantities abroad, especially to Germany and Central Europe, plus something to Eastern Europe. Demand is very lively this year, and prices are high. Quotations have been fluctuating between €1.50 and €2.50/kg at production, with peaks of over €3. This trend has been continuing since December."
"The prices of Spanish peppers are just as high, or even higher, so much so that operators preferred purchasing Sicilian peppers. Spain registered production problems, so there is less produce available, and we are less affected by their competition."
"I would like to stress that we employ integrated protection measures with useful insects to reduce the use of technical means, also to comply with the restrictions Europe has been imposing. Our short-term purpose is to reach zero residues, and we are already on the right path."
For more information:
Albani OP
Salvatore Albani
Via Firenze 1/d
97019 Vittoria (RG)
+39 335545 4833
+39 3460892271
[email protected]
https://albaniop.it