Only the best Fuji apples are marketed under the MelaPiù brand, destined exclusively to the Italian market. 60% are produced for mass retailing and the remaining 40% goes to traditional markets.The production part is carried out in fruit-growing companies in Emilia-Romagna that are part of the MelaPiù Consortium. That last one was founded in 1994 to relaunch apple-growing in the plain areas, as the Fuji variety is ideal for such territory and is also appreciated by consumers.
"Sales have decreased from last year, mainly because of scarce production during October (approximately -30%) and also because of demand, which is still quite good, as is reflected by increasing prices," explains Gianmauro Bergamini, chairman of the MelaPiù Consortium.
As for quotations, Bergamini explains that prices are higher if compared to last year. "With regard to medium grades (80-90mm), prices are about €0.20 more expensive than last year."
"At the moment, we are not being affected by competition from abroad or from the Southern hemisphere. As regards stock, we have 40% less produce in stock than the same time last year."
