Italy: 2012 cherry harvest starts in Turi, but without Ferrovia variety
Compared to last years, low temperatures recorded in the area from April 2012 have slowed the ripeness of the product.
"Prices are too low" local producers said. They are busy now with Bigarreaux cherry harvest and underline that within a few days there was a reduction in price from 5 to 2 Euro/kg. As always a discussed production price is recorded compared to retail one.
As for product quality, many growers speak about a positive 2012, with lower volumes but good fruit. "Compared to last years we can say that there are fewer cherries, in particular Ferrovia variety. There is also less waste."
Unfortunately this year it is difficult to get adequate volumes of Ferrovia cherry, main variety cultivated in Apulia, due to bad weather that inhibited the development of the fruit.