The supply of citrus fruit from the gardens of southern Italy is now gradually picking up speed, as Angelo Azzarelli, managing director of the Nuremberg-based company of the same name, tells us. "We currently have beautiful clementines with leaves from Calabria and lemons from Sicily. The first Sicilian Navel oranges have also recently arrived on the market. We are enjoying a good supply situation and excellent quality. Although prices are somewhat lower than previously thought, we are currently finding a price level that we can absolutely live with."
Clementines with leaves from Calabria. At the beginning of the season (mid-October), the quality was still quite variable, but currently the goods have a high Brix and juice content.
They are now eagerly awaiting the first blood oranges from Sicily. Azzarelli: "Normally, the first Tarocco oranges should be arriving soon. However, it is still far too warm in Sicily, with temperatures around 20 degrees. Unfortunately, this is disastrous for the colouring of blood oranges." The wholesaler, who markets other types of food such as wine and fish in addition to fruits and vegetables, points out the devastating consequences of climate change. "Currently, it is relatively too warm, but two years ago, in December and January, there were temperatures in the minus range, which is quite unusual for Sicily. This has particularly affected the cultivation of courgettes there."
Another highlight of the Sicilian fruit and vegetable sector is tomatoes in a wide variety of forms. "Among the absolute bestsellers are Camone, Merinda and plum tomatoes, which we can now offer almost all year round. Apart from August, when many buyers themselves are on holiday and the quantities available are somewhat smaller anyway due to the heat, these unusual tomatoes enjoy a certain basic demand."
Azzarelli has been at the helm of his company for about ten years now and his clientele includes restaurateurs, retailers and weekly markets, among others. Although he has recently been able to win over a few new weekly market suppliers, the mood among his customers is rather gloomy. "It is currently the quietest time in ten years of self-employment, although business has picked up again a little in the last few days. Meanwhile, bankruptcies are pouring in, especially in the restaurant business. Unfortunately, sooner or later we will feel the effects of this too," he concludes.
Angelo Azzarelli at the wholesale market visit of FreshPlaza.de in winter 2022.
Photo credit: Fratelli Azzarelli GmbH & Co KG
For more information:
Angelo Azzarelli
Fratelli Azzarelli GmbH & Co. KG
Nimrodstr. 25
90441 Nuremberg
Phone: +4915159059031
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website: https://www.fratelli-azzarelli.de