Considering the increasingly dynamic and unpredictable market, sector operators are examining the table grape campaign in Sicily and Puglia. Among them is Claudio Romano, sales manager of the Apulian company Petraleon Import-Export and owner of the consulting firm StarTrade, who spent most of his time in Sicily this year, from May to mid-July, and offers a clear perspective on the Sicilian campaign.
"The Sicilian grape season was excellent from the beginning of May until 15 July," explains Romano, who worked with the Sicilian company Cora. "Prices during that period remained high for all varieties - traditional, seedless, and organic grapes. This initial success was favoured by the absence of Italian and foreign competition and a good quality product, with higher plant fertility than in previous years. Seedless grapes, depending on variety, fetched prices between EUR 3.00 and EUR 3.50/kg."
© Claudio RomanoLeft: Romano with a crate of Sicilian Red Globe. Right: Apulian seedless grapes
However, the situation changed with the entry of Puglia into the market. "When Puglia enters the game, it does so with huge quantities, and the focus inevitably shifts to price. This created a darker period for the region from the beginning of August, with grapes that had to 'adapt', probably leading to losses for producers. This is not selling off, but the acceptance of a price compromise to avoid greater damage. This scenario is set to continue throughout September," Romano comments. In fact, the price trend is downward, not upward, and will be so at least until the end of September. Some in the sector speak of a 'gruesome September'.
© Claudio RomanoSicilian Italian grapes
"As far as Italian grapes are concerned, harvesting in Sicily has already begun several weeks ago. Bunches are well coloured, in some cases even too much so. In Puglia, operations are starting now, but once the Victoria variety is finished, operators will immediately focus on Italia. From a qualitative point of view, the product looks good in both regions. The start was positive, with high quotations, but the increase in the quantities available on the market is already exerting downward pressure on prices: When supplies multiply, the absorption capacity remains unchanged and quotations tend to align."
Romano offers interesting insights into some specific varieties. First of all, he warns against overconfidence in Autumn Crisp: "Already last year, it was clear that there was too much production coming in, and volumes are expected to triple compared to last year and even be five times higher next year. The variety is productive and of high quality, so even a halved price could still be profitable for producers."
© Claudio Romano
Red Globe grapes
Contrary to what one might think, as a producer, Romano has chosen to plant Red Globe instead of seedless grapes, a decision that has proved successful. In Puglia, Red Globe was very early, coloured early, and achieved satisfactory prices for more than a month. "Quotations then settled as volumes increased," he says.
Another surprising observation concerns the Victoria variety. Despite having uprooted it in the past, Romano now reflects on the possibility of planting it again. "Paradoxically, the availability of Victoria will always be lower in the future, and this variety arrives on the market in a strategic period, right after Sicily. Although it is a cultivar that needs more attention in the fields, it always has its appeal from a commercial point of view, especially in the period when it is available. The absence of good seedless alternatives during the same commercial window makes it interesting."
© Claudio Romano
Red Globe grapes
The law of supply and demand
The fundamental principle that governs the market is the law of supply and demand. "There is no doubt about it. When there is too much produce, everyone points out faults, while when there is a shortage, everyone is more tolerant. During this campaign, exporters will be cautious and not make wrong moves. Producers need to understand this."
International dynamics
The situation is not limited to Italy. International markets, such as the Netherlands and Germany, are characterised by the same dynamics. "A Dutch customer of mine observed that good weather in Europe tends to slow down sales, while the arrival of cooler temperatures makes them pick up again. This, combined with people getting back from the holiday period with less money and having to deal with school expenses, creates a somewhat peculiar moment," Romano concludes.
For more information:
Claudio Romano
StarTrade Srl
+39 335 402 262
[email protected] (consulting)
[email protected] (export)