"It is not often that you see a lively demand with high prices. This was made possible thanks to the mild weather, which favoured the consumption of imported bunch tomatoes," explained Stefano Pezzo, sales manager of Cherry Passion, a company specialising in the import and export of produce based in Verona.
The import of vegetables (from the Netherlands), counterseasonal fruit and limes (from Peru, South Africa and Brazil through Dutch operators), cherries and lemons (from Turkey) is the main activity for Cherry Passion.
"In Italy, we distribute mainly bunch tomatoes, which represent half of our turnover. They are followed by peppers (approx. 25%) and endive (15%), which is sold throughout the year and should be promoted a lot more in Italy. Turkish lemons, which are available between mid-September and Christmas, have also done well."
The fair in Berlin
About its taking part in Fruit Logistica 2016 (Berlin, 3-5 February), Stefano says that "our stand will be part of the Veronamercato area (Hall 2.2 - Stand C-09) as Verona is currently very important for imports and exports thanks to its location and excellent logistics. In addition to the fact that we are based there and that there is a great wholesale market, it is also one of the leading retail centres for Lidl, Aldi, Eurospin, Migros and Rewe."
