Pumpkins - both those intended for food consumption and those used as decorations - become the undisputed protagonists in the fervour that characterises the period between the end of October and the start of November. This period is becoming increasingly important, reflecting a trend that, following the US example, is also gaining ground in the Italian context, as it is turning into a particularly popular festive event. Giuseppe Ventura of La Zucca Rossa, based at Centro Agro Alimentare di Napoli-CAAN and specialising in the sale of pumpkins and artichokes, proudly emphasises the success achieved in fully meeting the needs of customers in this period of high demand.
"When it comes to fresh and ornamental pumpkins, the period at the end of October/beginning of November is always very busy. Let's say that, like in America, it is becoming a very popular holiday here in Italy as well. We worked well and managed to satisfy all our customers. In fact, we have been recording a good trend for this product since September. Pumpkins come mainly from Basilicata, but also from Apulia and Campania. This year, they are really satisfying in terms of quality."
The wholesaler believes that "there are no complaints" about September and October. "Considering the volumes handled, we would be ungrateful to say that it was not a rosy period. Ornamental pumpkins were quoted at 0.75-1.00 euro/kg, while those for consumption remained at 0.40-0.60 euro/kg." The season will continue at least until the end of the year, albeit at a calmer pace. Imports from Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia will begin in 2025.
Artichokes
"Our sales campaign started in the last week of August with the produce imported from France, then we switched to domestic artichokes. At the moment, we are working with the produce from Apulia, which is of good quality and is the main product at our stand. Due to a low yield, caused by unsuitable temperatures during the growing phase, artichokes from Apulia continue to have a high price level at both origin and sale. Unless a price of around EUR 0.40-0.50 per head is reached, consumption will not show the right performance."
Article photos provided by Giuseppe Ventura
For more information:
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