The sales of persimmons have been somewhat inconsistent, and the campaign has not been as effective as we had hoped. Antonio Zani, sales manager for OP Granfrutta Zani in Italy, provides the following explanation: "This year, we harvested approximately 1,500 tonnes of persimmons, representing an increase compared to volumes harvested in 2023, when adverse weather conditions, including frost, affected some areas. The harvested product remained of optimal quality until the third week of October. However, the incessant rain that followed resulted in a decline in quality."
Antonio Zani
The latest batches have therefore undergone more rigorous selection processes, resulting in higher rejection rates. From the assessment of the gauges, the average was notably high until midway through the campaign, when it experienced a slight decline. In summary, the campaign can be deemed satisfactory.
"Our marketing campaign will continue for another month," continues Zani, "with the majority of sales occurring in Italy. However, we have a 30% export market, primarily to Austria and Switzerland."
Antonio Zani notes that "larger sizes are packed in two or three fruits, with four fruits packed in intermediate sizes and also in 24x40 boxes. The two-fruit and three-fruit packs are always part of the Premium lines, which are a hallmark product for large-scale retail chains that feature this item in their assortment."
In comparison to the methods used in the past, crop management has undergone significant changes. Until 10 to 20 years ago, persimmons were regarded as a relatively straightforward crop to cultivate. The treatments were few and sometimes non-existent, there was little maintenance, and there was almost no irrigation. "Today, this is no longer the case. To obtain a quality product that will generate an income, it is essential to be highly professional and budget for a wide range of essential processes, including irrigation, insect monitoring using traps and phytosanitary treatments, as well as precise fertilisation plans," Zani concludes.
For more information:
OP Granfrutta Zani
Via Monte Sant'Andrea
48018 Granarolo Faentino (RA)
Tel.: +39 0546 695211
[email protected]
www.granfruttazani.it