The garlic sector is currently still being affected by last year's low quality, which led to a reduced availability of produce suitable to be sold. "Consequences included significant purchases of garlic from Argentina, Chile and Peru from both operators and external actors," reports Antonio Tuccillo, administrator at Agrimpex Farming.
Argentinian garlic
"The current prices peaked when the Argentinian produce arrived on the market as there was a lack of Spanish and even European produce. The Chinese produce was commercialized very well, with good prices yet with quantities that proved insufficient for the European market between January and up until a few weeks ago. This was due to the delay in deliveries from China, as shipping companies had to circumnavigate the Cape of Good Hope due to the Suez Canal crisis and the ensuing doubling of times."
"We started importing fresh garlic from Egypt over the past few weeks, with prices higher compared with the previous season this year too. This was also due to the fact that the country has a domestic market with higher prices due to the lower quantities compared with the past campaign. The year seems to be regular in Turkey and quantities are expected to be satisfactory: fresh garlic will become available in late April, while we will have to wait for June-July for dry garlic."
Egyptian garlic
Dry garlic is still scarce on the Spanish and Italian markets, and prices are increasing at a weekly rate. "Refrigerated stocks in Europe are very low and the European produce has been replaced by the Argentinian one, which is of good quality this year. In addition, fewer quantities were planted in Spain, so we are expecting prices to be considerably high for the new production."
"We have to hope that a stable weather will allow a harvesting (May-June) and maturation of garlic without damage and with lower production costs. We are hoping producers all over Europe will be able to make more of a profit and not abandon the crop."
Photos provided by Antonio Tuccillo
For further information: agrimpexfarming.it