"From July through mid-August, the supply of peaches and nectarines was far below demand. However, after 15 August, we saw a shift in the commercial dynamics of supply and demand due to a surplus of fruit for the second consecutive year," say Giovanni and Serena Scavo, co-managers of the commercial sector at the Italian cooperative Il Girasole.
© Il Girasole soc. coop.
"The increased volume of fruit has caused a sudden change in supply," Giovanni Scavo explains. "This is mainly due to the large, early supply from Sicily, which overlapped with the supplies from Apulia and Romagna. Both of these regions had higher-than-expected supplies. Consequently, large-scale organized distribution has had to split orders among the different production areas."
© Il Girasole soc. coop.
The Sicilian heat advanced the harvest calendar for the later varieties by eight to ten days, which certainly contributed to the situation. This resulted in a concentrated and nearly chaotic supply in September. The fruit's freshness, which was retained due to its brief time in cold storage, combined with favorable temperatures across Italy, encouraged consumption.
© Il Girasole soc. coop.The Coscia pear is soft and juicy, offering a refined aftertaste. It is cultivated in the Bronte and Maniace areas of the Catania province, among other places, and is highly regarded, especially when eaten at the peak of ripeness. Keep in mind, however, that it is smaller than other pear varieties. This variety experienced a revival after its popularity declined in the 1990s. They are available under the brand name, both loose and in 500-gram and 1-kilogram packages.
Serena Scavo concludes, "At this stage of the campaign, we are at the end of the late peach harvest. We offer the Summerset, Tardiva 2000, Tard Red, and Extreme varieties. For nectarines, we are closing the season with the Fairlane, Francesca, and Granata varieties." The Coscia pear campaign, on the other hand, is proceeding as expected. Orders are steady, and consumption is consistent. This small pear is known for its exquisite taste and is gaining popularity among consumers. It is harvested near the slopes of Mount Etna by specialized producers. We exclusively market them under our brand name for goods supplied by our associated producers. The strong connection between the product and the region is a significant growth catalyst, particularly because consumers understand the importance of locally sourced products.
For more information: 
Il Girasole Soc. Coop.
Via Francesco Petrarca, 51
95047 Paternò (CT) - Italy
(+39) 095 623381
Giovanni Scavo (+39) 337 950 732
Serena Scavo (+39) 347 424 2478
[email protected]
www.ilgirasolearance.com