Italy: analisys on 2012 cherry campaign with Nicola Giuliano
FreshPlaza (FP): How is the cherry campaign this year? From initial estimates it seems that in some areas Ferrovia variety is hardly decreasing with a general reduction of produce. Do you confirm this? In case of positive answer, which are the reasons of this drop?
Nicola Giuliano (NG): The campaign is very good, above all because the market is not full of product both in our area and in the whole Europe. As for the Ferrovia variety we estimate 50%-60% of produce compared to a normal year: this is helping clearly the quality of cherries, with excellent size and appearance, as well as a very good taste.
FP: What about production and quality of some varieties such as Bigarreaux, Ferrovia, etc.?
NG: The Bigarreaux was good in quality, with a normal yield. All the varieties
meet the expectations except for the Ferrovia one, due to the bad weather (cold and rain) during the flowering and the fruit set in the Easter period.
FP: How were the prices so far and, compared to last year, what is the sale trend?
NG: The beginning of the campaign was quite in line with 2011; the prices are better now, in the middle of the campaign than at the beginning. Compared to the same period of last year they are lower.
FP: As for Giuliano srl, how many cherries do you expect this year? And what is the percentage of cherries on the total fresh produce sold by the company?
NG: This year we should sell 4,000 tons of cherries compared to 4,700 tons in 2011, with a 15% decrease. The percentage of cherries on the total fresh produce sold by the company is 10% in terms of volume and 25% in value.
FP: Which results do you expect from the sale of cherries in vending machines?
NG: Results are more or less in line with the previous years; there was no increase, above all due to poor distribution at distributors' centres. The network is limited to Apulia and not the whole country.
FP: What do you anticipate for your next projects or innovations in the sector?
NG: As for production in field, we are trying to promote structures for the protection of cherry orchards. Every year we are affected by bad weather and, on the markets, we alternate positive and negative weeks we cannot guarantee the continuity of the product standard.
FP: As for table grape, could you give us an initial indication about the 2012 campaign?
NG: At the moment the flowering stage is very positive: there are well fertility and fruit set. A good year is expected. Clearly we have to wait still before saying more. If no problems occur, also volume and quality of the product will be satisfactory.
Contact:
Giuliano Puglia Fruit
Web: www.giulianopugliafruit.it