FreshPlaza talked to Marco Salvi, entrepreneur (director of Salvi-UNACOA) and institutional figure (president of Fruitimprese), about the main fruit campaigns and the development of the macroeconomic scenario.
Kiwi, pears and apples - positive expectations for the second part of the campaign
Kiwi production was back once again to normal levels in the 2015/16 campaign after a weak 2014/15. "Volumes are in line with the 27 thousand cultivated hectares. Finally, producers started working at full capacity again. The start was a little complicated because fruit from the southern hemisphere was still available in December, but now the produce is being shipped to various destinations worldwide."
For what concerns pears, volumes are within the norm except for the Abate variety, affected by the hailstorm in early September. "The good news is that new organisations were established (Opera and Origine Group), so we can better organised."
Apples seem to be doing well too as consumption is high. "The sector is one of the most lively and dynamic at the moment. We invested a lot on varietal innovation and the feedback is great. There is a lot of difference in the prices of commodity and premium goods."
Destocking is in line with plans. "At the moment, we are packaging the Pink Lady variety, a club variety that is gaining popularity in Italy too."
Expectations for the second part of the campaign are good thanks to the fact that Italy can count on state-of-the-art storing facilities. This in turns extends the sales period so high-quality produce can be sold even when products from other origins lack.
Macroeconomy and Italy
While the EU is negotiating with US and India for the trade of European apples, talks still focus on a solution to the Russian ban. "The situation could improve, but timing is of the essence. Two years have passed and many things have changed in the meantime. Consumers forget easily and adapt to other types of products. We expected to receive more details about diplomatic developments, especially since Federica Mogherini is the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs, but instead it only seems the situation might evolve slowed than we had hoped."
The US opening to European apples and pears should be welcomed with more caution. "The country is a large top fruit producer, just think that it harvests two and a half times more apples than us every year. In addition, they promote their products very well. We should focus more on countries that import all their apples."
Italy should also work on a better role in the international trade. "We must demonstrate we are able to regain the space others are occupying because of our inefficiency. Just think about the huge 'Italian sounding' business - we must work on what image Italy gives, make it recognisable and conquer consumers who are convinced they are already eating Italian when they are not."
Fruit Logistica
Marco Salvi will take part in the event in Berlin (3-5 febbraio 2016). "We will be available in the Italy area, where Fruitimprese can also be found together with CSO and ICE. This way, we can work as a system. We have organised institutional meetings on various issues concerning international trade policy."
"In addition, as part of Origine Group, we will be attending a press conference on February 4th. The Salvi company stand will be in Hall2.2-A.04. My sister Silvia will also be there for Salvi Vivai with Oliver Stein, sales manager of Salvi-Unacoa."
