It was a positive yet complicated pink grapefruit season for Reggiatito. "There were some hailstorms that did not affect us directly, but nonetheless created a weird situation on the market," explains owner Ettore Ciancico.
The company owns 12 hectares of Star Ruby seedless pink grapefruit, which hold the ICEA organic certification since 2000. The produce ripens in December, and harvesting can continue until March/April. The fruit is harvested with a 70/90 mm grade and loaded in bins for transport. "The high temperatures meant we had to protect the plants even more".
Demand is good and supply is lower than last year. "The situation is quite absurd as the imported produce, which generally comes from extra-European countries, is sold at high prices even though there is local fruit available!"
Volumes of pink grapefruit are limited because it is a niche production for the company. "The market for us is rather stable, which is quite positive."
For 2016, the objective of the company is to get closer to final consumers - "this way, we will eliminate all intermediate passages and become more competitive."
