While the small fruit harvest is in full swing, Markus Tscholl, coordinator of Asta Frutta Alto Adige, provides a forecast on the summer apple production. "We expect to start harvesting apples, such as the Royal Gala, around mid-August. Production is expected to be within the normal range—neither abundant nor scarce. The cool weather and rainfall have contributed to the fruit's growth, and the size looks promising."
Markus Tscholl at Macfrut 2024.
Colouring will be influenced by recent temperature fluctuations. "This year, unofficial European estimates," says Tscholl, "do not indicate full production. Apparently, weather issues have affected Poland and other producing nations. It's still too early to make definitive predictions, but I believe there could be favourable opportunities for our producers."
In the meantime, the small fruit harvest continues in South Tyrol. "Our producers are delivering strawberries, blueberries, and cherries. Strawberry prices were very high in recent days, but with more product now available, we're seeing a slight drop, though prices remain satisfactory.
Royal Gala apples.
"For cherries, we'll have product available throughout August. Blueberry harvesting is ongoing, though our quantities are currently down. This isn't necessarily bad, as prices are falling. On the raspberry front, we'll continue until the end of October."
Tscholl concludes: "For small fruits, there's no auction process. Instead, producers harvest in the morning and notify us of the expected quantities. By midday, we coordinate with buyers. By 2 p.m., the producers deliver to our centres, and by 4 p.m., the small fruits are en route to their destinations. Everything is delivered to customers by evening or overnight, within less than 18 hours of being picked."
For more information
Fruit AuctionSouth Tyrol
Vilpiano (BZ),
+39/0471 676511
[email protected]
www.astafrutta.it