A few years ago, Sud ImpEx turned its attention to transalpine products because "Italy is renowned for the richness and quality of its agricultural produce," explains Julien Cremer, its director, giving an update on the strawberry and melon campaign.
© Sud ImpEx Sud ImpEx's extensive Italian range includes strawberries from Parete (Campania), melons from Terracina (Lazio), and legumes from Carinola.
Good demand for Italian strawberries
Sud ImpEx began marketing Italian strawberries last week. Although volumes are still moderate, they should pick up from next week. "In Emilia-Romagna, around 80% of the greenhouse strawberries have already been harvested, while the open-field harvest is just beginning. Quality is considered to be excellent, and volumes are adequate," explains Julien Cremer. And this year, strawberries from Italy could benefit greatly from the climatic problems on the Iberian peninsula. "Volumes of Spanish strawberries are high, but so are the quality problems." As far as the market is concerned, the demand is fairly strong, thanks in particular to the price (lower than French strawberries) but also to the quality of the merchandise. "The quality of Italian strawberries, particularly the Melissa variety grown in Basilicate, is excellent. The Parete strawberry, grown in the Campania region, also stands out for its organoleptic qualities: a high sugar content and intense flavor, thanks to a favorable climate and rich soil."
© Sud ImpEx
The Terracina melon "renowned for its juicy, sweet flesh"
Alongside the Moroccan melon currently on the market, the Italian melon campaign is just starting. "The harvest of yellow melons in Sicily began in mid-May, with limited volumes. Produce from Lazio and Campania is also available. For Julien Cremer, Italian melons have nothing to envy their competitors. "The Terracina (Lazio) melon, for example, is renowned for its juicy, sweet flesh due to its high level of sunshine." As far as the market is concerned, the season is off to a good start, with "sustained demand on both the domestic and export markets."
© Sud ImpEx
Carinola beans and peas
Sud Impex's Italian range also includes legumes grown in the Carinola region. "Growing fava beans and peas in this region is an age-old tradition. They are highly prized for their freshness and richness in nutrients, and are widely used in Italian cuisine, whether in soups, stews or salads."
For more information:
© Sud ImpExJulien Cremer (director)Sud ImpEx
582 avenue de Bruxelles
66000 PERPIGNAN
Phone: +(33) 4 68 54 89 06
perpignan@sudimpex.fr
https://sudimpex.fr/