"More and more companies are dedicating between 3,000 and 5,000 sqm to soft fruit, and raspberries in particular," explains Gilberto Molari, a nursery gardener who in 2015 sold over one million plants of soft fruit in Italy (60%) and Europe (40% - especially to Spain, Portugal and Germany).
"This has been the trend in the past few years. In most cases, earnings are good and do not represent the sole income - they become a percentage of the gross saleable production integrated by other species."
One quality that is particularly appreciated with raspberries, is the fact that plants start producing almost immediately. "The plants we are delivering now will produce the first fruit already in August 2016 and will reach full production in 2017."
In Italy, there are various areas where soft fruit is cultivated successfully. "Trentino is the main production area, followed by Verona and Piedmont. In the South, there is Calabria and Sicily. Romagna, the province of Caserta and the Metaponto area are also growing."
Raspberries and blueberries are the favourite, followed by blackberries and currants. "I believe blackberries will become more popular in the next five years. The thing is, we need to educate not only producers, but consumers too. Soft fruit continues to be seen as a purchase to garnish cakes and pastries. Very few think about eating them on a daily basis, but they are perfect for that thanks to the fact that they are practical and have a high nutrient content."
According to Molari, stores could work better. "I often see soft fruits located next to the scales to promote their purchase, but they are delicate and should be placed in fridges. The packaging could also be improved as often it does not help the shelf-life."
For what concerns prices in 2015, they were good up to August (€8/kg for raspberries), but then dropped due to the overlapping production from Spain. In Europe, raspberries are grown 11 months a year but, as winter temperatures have been quite high in the past few years, they have been cultivated throughout the entire year.
Raspberries produce 1-1.2 tons every thousand square metres on average. Wholesale prices vary between €5 and 10 per kg, with peaks of €12-14 for direct sales in bakeries, ice-cream parlours and restaurants. Plants cost around €1.40 and are productive for 6 years. A 5,000 sqm orchard costs around €9,000 including poles and wires. With a gross production of around €25,000/30,000 every 5,000 sqm, raspberries are among the most profitable fruits.
In 2016, transplants have been rather stable, while 2015 had seen quite an increase.
A few years ago, Molari introduced an innovative variety - Enrosadira®* (bred by Aldo Telch), which ripens up to 20th July. It is quite early and quality is excellent. In addition, it has a long shelf-life and great productivity.
