"We started a few days ago, almost one month late, and sales on the foreign fresh market are currently at a standstill. The season used to start in October in previous years. The processing industry started purchasing produce a few weeks ago," reports Antonino Quattrone from Società Agricola Quattrone, a company located in Reggio Calabria that has been specializing in the production of Bergamot oranges for over 40 years.
"25% of our production is destined to the fresh produce market, the rest is sold to the processing industry. Production is lower this year but, should demand increase, we would still be able to guarantee the same volumes as in previous years thanks to the collaboration with the other producers."
"As for our company, we have not really managed to sell fresh Bergamot oranges to the domestic market, unlike what happens in France. If the situation does not change, we will have to destine all our production to the processing industry, like we used to do in the past. It is a pity: after 7 years spent penetrating the fresh produce market, it seems there is not a lot of demand for Bergamot oranges, which are considered high-end. This is because consumers prefer to save money with the ongoing crisis and buy basic products."
"The fresh Bergamot orange market must not take a step back. Regardless of my personal interest, I would be sorry to see the sales of fresh produce halt completely thus compromising the possibility of making this product known. A lot of sacrifices have been made over the past few years, and disappearing into oblivion is not an option. We should not let Bergamot oranges only be destined to the perfume industry, cosmetic, pharmacology or food industries. It would mean returning to the Middle Ages."
As for the increases in energy prices, "we were the first in our area to equip the new groves with a photovoltaic plant (submerged pump and panels). We risked it in the beginning, but we were right. Now many ask for our advice, but the costs have tripled and there is a long wait to receive the necessary materials."
