"Currently, the radicchio is doing pretty well. The harvest started in October The harvest with the types long broad-leaf and narrow, round, radicchio di Castelfranco and sugarloaf, and the prices seem to be good", said Paolo Queruli of the Italian La Rosa located in Monselice near Padua.
"The demand is not too high at the moment, but still higher than the supply compared to last year. In general, there is a lack of radicchio this year. The commercial expectations are good and the prices are reasonable so far. However, the market is not very receptive and there is a lack of consumption.
The company, which manages a hundred hectares in open field, will start exporting in November. Usually, two thirds of the total production finds its way abroad (Europe, Asia, America), but "exports to non-European areas will not be easy this year due to the coronavirus situation, as well as the Ho.Re.Ca channel. A good commercial trend may emerge within Europe and the export will therefore concentrate on this area."
"The retail trade may not be able to compensate for the lack of consumption either, despite having worked hard during the lockdown. What is certain is that there will be changes this year. It will be necessary to monitor the global health situation as well as consumer purchasing behavior," concluded Queruli.