Despite the steep price increases across the sector, the Domenico Laghi company in Forli, Italy, is very much looking forward to this first glimpse of the kaki campaign. "Last week prices were high," explained sales representative Mirco Zoffoli, "We sold up to 3 euros/kg for the 26+ gauge, and 2.5 euros/kg for the 24+.
Of course, these are only the first quantities and they are still very limited. "We benefit from the fact that the big cooperatives will only come out with the first product in the next few days. So these first days we have already had good income. The supermarkets want this item on the shelf as soon as possible and we can help them do that."
Domenico Laghi has existed as a family business, currently run by Jenny Laghi, for more than 50 years. The secret of the brand lies in the processing process to extract the sharp tannins from the persimmons, which is a mix of knowledge, technology and experience that make the product highly sought after by buyers.
"Until mid-August, we thought it wasn't going to work out," recalled Zoffoli, "but then it started raining and things started moving in the right direction. The size came up and with it the weight of the fruit. Now we are confident." The quantities available are 30% higher than in 2021, but still lower compared to those of a normal year.
Abroad, Switzerland is the main destination for Laghi's persimmons. "All our fruit is processed manually, right down to sorting. But the real secret, of course, is in the ripening in low-oxygen rooms," he concluded.
