“Inevitably, a warm autumn, like the one we have, has consequences in the business world.

The unusual climate of recent months has not only caused problems for the plants and, consequently, for production, but also influenced the consumption and preferences of the buyer, ”says Rocco Vigiano, wholesaler of fruits and vegetables at FE.VI. Frutta di Policoro (Matera), who adds: “Vegetables have a negative effect on sales, precisely because high temperatures increase production.”

For example, instead of picking eggplant every 3-4 days, as in a typical fall season, a farmer harvests every day (maximum every 2 days), which leads to an increase in the volume available in the markets and causes a crisis.

“This means that when the weather gets cold, the plants will already produce their volumes, and we will probably have a shortage of vegetables. Eggplant prices are so low that some farmers have decided to cut plants because they are economically unprofitable. ”

“A similar situation, but a little better, with zucchini. Red and yellow peppers are less susceptible to this problem, given their ability to stay on plants and delay harvesting.

A few days ago, we also started with citrus fruits, but a temperature above average delays the color of the fruit. As for the clementines, prices fell from 1.30 euros / kg. up to 1.00-1.10 euro / kg. ”

“The situation with grapes continues to deteriorate. We do not see much interest in fruit. For some varieties, such as Italy, Red Globe and Paleri, selling prices are around 0.80-1.00 Euro / kg. even though it’s a very good product. ”

“We hope that the weather will change, which will revive production by increasing consumption and prices. Our warehouses should be full of products, but not saturated. ”