One of the main colors of December we can definitely say is red. “Red Delicious, in all its many clones from the Italian Alps, can give the table a very natural touch, declined in a festive color. In the middle of the season, from now until May, we are always ready to receive orders and deliver all over the world.” So says Enzo Garnero, sales manager of Sanifrutta, an agricultural cooperative company producing, processing and packaging fresh fruit based in Costigliole Saluzzo (CN), and managing director of Piedmont-based Aurum Fruit, a trading company specializing in overseas exports.
A total apple production of more than 2 million tons is estimated for Italy, down slightly from last year (-1%). Unlike South Tyrol and Trentino, Piedmont is on the upswing with a +8%. “This increase is due precisely to Red Delicious, which, after last year's production deficit, has returned to normal levels. As for the other varieties, Piedmont production is in line with previous years. The apple is not a typical fruit of the holiday season. We are used to putting dried or exotic fruit on the table during holiday lunches and dinners. But on the European market, mainly in Germany, we are noticing a strong demand, probably also due to the shortage of local German production,” Garnero continues. “This year the country experienced some spring frosts, then hailstorms in other areas, and this led to a contraction in yields.”.
The quality of Piedmont apples this year is very good, very good. “In Piedmont we had ideal weather for this fruit. In the weeks before the harvest and during the harvest itself there were important temperature changes between day and night, a basic requirement for the quality and coloring of the apples. So this year we can absolutely say that the quality is among the best in recent years. The decumulation plans are proceeding well, according to expectations,” Garnero stressed.
“For the next two months, we will still focus on Gala group apples. Based on decumuli, Gala apple stocks are expected to end at the end of February. Others in the Italian sector calculate to end by the end of March. As the trade in Gala apples goes down, the availability and export of Red Delicious apples will increase, and also all the other classic varieties Granny Smith, Golden and Fuji. In the last period, we also started with the export of Crimson Snow apple, only for the European market. Sanifrutta, in fact, is part of the club along with Rivoira, Fratelli Clementi and VOG.”.
Specific to Red Delicious, Garnero says the best markets are Germany, North Africa and India. “When we talk about overseas, Red Delicious is 100% waxed, as you follow the example of the Americans. In the European market, it's more subjective, depending on the destination.”.
Logistics: focal point for overseas exports
“If we talk about fruit export, the logistics factor is crucial. Today we are experiencing some not insignificant critical issues. The closure of all shipping lines through the Suez Canal, in the Red Sea, has definitely penalized some sellers. The closure is continuing, and if we didn't have the excellent quality we had this year, we would not be able to afford more distant destinations, such as India or Southeast Asia,” Garnero points out. "Currently from Vado Ligure, the closest port to us, it takes 40 days to reach Mumbai, at best, compared to the 21 it took ships 12 months ago. This is because one has to circumnavigate Africa to reach the final destination. And if for other ports in India, the transit time was about 25 days, today it is up to 55.".
Garnero also points out a peculiarity concerning India. “The Indian market has been demanding apples since the beginning of the season, which is quite unusual and has not happened in the past. In September, October and November usually Indians consume their local production. At the moment, Indian market demand is slowly growing for some varieties, not yet for others, however, we expect that in January and February there will be an increase in demand. Logically, all always subject to logistical issues.”.
For more information:
Enzo Garnero
enzo@sanifrutta.com
Sanifrutta
Via dei Falchi, 13
12024 Costigliole Saluzzo (CN) - Italy
+39 0175 230061
sanifrutta.com
Aurum Fruit Srl
Falcons Street 3
12024 Costigliole Saluzzo (CN) - Italy
+39 0175 239488
www.aurumfruit.comPublication date: Mon Dec 23, 2024
