"On Tuesday, 7 January, there was a notable increase in vegetable sales, indicating a positive return. Whether this trend will continue or whether it was just a temporary spike related to the Epiphany holiday remains to be seen. In any case, it seems to be a more substantial recovery compared to the 2023 data," says Roberto Bortolotti, a sales representative at a stand at Caab, the Bologna Food Center.
There's not a lot of product on the market" he points out, "which means the quantities are smaller than in other years, and that's probably why the prices are fair. The quantities sold are not very high and there is a balance between supply and demand."
Bortolotti goes on to assess the recent Christmas season. In the 2-3 days leading up to Christmas, things were moving quite fast. Shop owners and street vendors saw an increase in sales as consumers prepared for the various Christmas dinners and home-cooked meals. For New Year's Eve, on the other hand, I noticed a certain flatness, without much movement."
A closer look reveals that brassicas are the queen of winter. "Yesterday, cauliflowers were on sale for between 1.20 and 1.50 euros per kilogram, depending on the quality. Prices were even higher for specialty products, such as colored cauliflower. Black cabbage also sold very well, with volumes increasing and prices reaching 2 euros/kg. An average of 1-1.50/kg was recorded for lettuce."
"The situation was not too bad for fennel, which was stable at around 1.20-1.50 euro/kg, with peaks of 1.60 for the top of the range. Spinach also sold well, from 1.20 to 1.50 euro/kg, mostly from Campania," he concludes.
For more information:
Roberto Bortolotti
C/O De Luca and Campitiello
Via Paolo Canali, 1
40127 Bologna
Tel.: +39 051 2861261