The current climatic trend, combined with last summer's unusually hot and dry weather, is creating challenges for the new harvesting campaign of the Brindisi violet artichoke.
Ermanno Barletta of Biemme Srl, an Italian company that supplies fruit and vegetables to Italian fruit and vegetable markets, offers insights into the start of the season. The company owns around 120 hectares, including those owned by producers.
"We began harvesting and selling the first batch of produce a fortnight ago, which was more than a month behind schedule. However, the results from the harvesting and market analysis are not particularly encouraging. On the one hand, the drought has significantly delayed the entry into production of the fields, while on the other hand, the mild weather has not led to an increase in consumption. In comparison to the same period in 2023, there has been a reduction in yields of approximately 30%. We are awaiting the arrival of rainfall and a drop in temperatures, provided that this does not cause any inconvenience. The lack of rainfall and the reduced output of the artesian wells, which are essential for irrigation, are creating difficulties. The water is becoming insufficient in terms of both quantity and quality. The pH has increased, and the water is now too salty for irrigation of the artichoke fields."
"As a result of the high prices, the commercial trend was negatively affected, resulting in a significant reduction in sales. The costs associated with the harvest, especially at this time of year, have had a significant impact on the situation. The price per artichoke in the warehouse starts at €0.70, but the product is sold in supermarkets at a price of up to €1.20 per unit, even when purchased in pallets. Sales activity is minimal. Our main market outlets are the major Italian cities, including Turin, Milan, Rome, Bari, Taranto and Lecce. However, it takes up to five days for the same operators to request new deliveries. This has led us to lengthen the time between collections. As a result, we are faced with challenges in the matching of production and consumption. There are significant hurdles in both production and sales, as the two are currently out of sync."
For more information:
Biemme Srl
Via duca di Genova 11
73044 Galatone LE
Tel.: +39 329 732 8920
[email protected]
biemme-srl.it