"Only those who understand that we are now in a new market will be able to stay afloat, it is useless to complain. Things have changed and they will probably never go back to how they used to be. We must adapt and anticipate new trends," explains Marco Babbi, sales manager of "Finò, il finocchio italiano".
The fennel market is rather satisfactory at the moment. "There is not too much produce and, as a friend of mine always says, prices remain good as long as there is even one kg less that what demanded. Quality is excellent as it has rained very little, however this also means costs are higher due to irrigation. The lack of water will anyway be a great problem in the future. Actually, it might even be 'the' problem, but I would not like to seem too pessimistic."
Finò fennel are available throughout the continent, mainly in Germany and the Netherlands as well as in other countries in Central Europe. Productions at the moment come from Puglia and Calabria (70% of the total), Basilicata, Campania and Molise. "We have suppliers in multiple regions to diversify and reduce risks."
"Production costs are at least 20% higher than 2019, so it would be normal for the produce to be paid 20% more on average. If, for example, big retail chains had special promotions at €0.99/kg in 2019, they should now have them at €1.19/kg unless they want to lose money. Producers cannot work below cost."
For further information
Caligari & Babbi srl
Via Pietà, 77
Savignano su Rubicone (FC)
+39 0541 942599
[email protected]
www.finocchioitaliano.com