"The melon campaign is coming to an end. We still have a couple of weeks to go when it comes to smooth melons. If you ask me, I would say that this has been a normal year," reports Maurizio Carbonini, sales manager of Mantuafruit, as he looks back on a campaign that is now drawing to a close.
"I would say that, considering the drop in production of around 20%, perhaps we expected something more on the remuneration front at certain stages. In general, however, we cannot complain. The weather created a few problems, causing the drop in production."
It was also a very short campaign, as most of the sales were concentrated in about fifty days. "We have finished with netted melons, while the smooth ones will be available until the first week of October. Organoleptic quality is very good and sizes are considerable. Smooth melons are getting more and more popular and, thanks to our varieties, demand is growing."
"We have been widening our range with yellow melons since early July thanks to a new collaboration with a structured producer, which has enabled us to have very good produce and meet demand. This product will be available approximately until the end of October," points out Carbonini.
"The PGI mark has given us great satisfaction, as the produce has been doing better than the standard line. The Melone Mantovano PGI brand is well regarded and appreciated by the big retail chains and the markets, because they have been receiving excellent feedback from end consumers."
Mantuafruit also sells throughout Europe, and Germany in particular. "Customers have also been requesting the 'Antonio Francescon' high-end range. In a year such as this one, we did not push too hard on this brand, but it does satisfy a segment of consumers looking for top-of-the-range produce," concludes the sales manager.
For more information
Mantuafruit
Via Retenago 13
46040 Rodigo (MN)
+39 0376-650727
[email protected]