The market for brassicas has been showing signs of improvement for approximately a week now, as a result of an increase in demand from European countries. Pasquale Bruno, sales manager of Natura Ortaggi, a company based in Basilicata (southern Italy) that is involved in the production, packaging and marketing of vegetables in Italy and parts of Europe, has provided insights into the current campaign, which kicked off in the first ten days of September and is set to continue for almost the entire duration of July 2025.
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"Until midway through October, the commercial situation remained optimal. However, as the season progressed and the pace increased in the field, demand in the markets declined rapidly. This was due to the combination of favourable weather conditions and the delayed supply of goods to our European clients, who represent a significant portion of our customer base. While the high autumn temperatures accelerated development and ripening, they also resulted in a slower response from the end consumer. Indeed, when temperatures are higher, consumers tend to favour other vegetables (such as salads) over brassicas. Given the necessity to dispose of significant quantities of product, and the continued lack of receptivity in the European market, we were forced to place the goods exclusively in the domestic market. It was unavoidable that there would be a depreciation."
Following the initial drop in temperatures approximately one week ago, the situation in the field has evolved. Compared to the second half of November, incoming volumes have decreased. "We are no longer chasing after goods that are difficult to dispose of," the manager stated. "Now that the situation in Italy is more stable, we are seeing prices rise gradually, by approximately 20 percent." While there was previously a lack of interest in cauliflower, broccoli and Romanesco cabbage, there has now been an increased demand, despite unfruitful negotiations. We are currently shipping to supermarkets in Germany, Poland, Serbia and Lithuania."
For more information:
Natura Ortaggi Srls
Melfi Industrial Zone (Potenza)
Tel.: +39 339 199 9776
[email protected]