"We have been witnessing a steady decline in vegetable prices for more than two weeks now, during a time of stagnant sales of conventional products," said Vittorio Gona of the Alba Bio OP of Marina di Ragusa, in Sicily, Italy.
Vittorio Gona
"In response to this scenario, Alba Bio has involved its 80 members producers in planning a harvesting calendar jointly agreed. The aim is to obtain marketing data as efficient as possible. This strategy will allow the commercial team to obtain sales results close to the planned production volumes".
"It's all about great teamwork, essential to face the most critical period of the season. We must remain focused to avoid or, at least, minimize any losses. A great part of the success of this project goes to all our employees, from operations to sales, harvesting, logistics, quality and administration, but especially the packaging lines. In this period of significant difficulty, it is complicated to be able to dispose of all professional figures, because of Covid. We are even more grateful to all our workers who have compensated for the obligatory absence of their colleagues".
In the meantime, Alba Bio has already taken steps, together with its producers, to plan for the 2021/22 season, in line with the supplies agreed upon with commercial partners.
"We would like to thank our customers for sticking to their commitments with Alba Bio during the current 2020/21 season. The cooperative has registered an increase of 20% in marketed volumes and 16% in value in these first three months. Our main commercial partner has rewarded us this year with an increase of about 39%, something that we are proud of and particularly pleased about. We are especially pleased with a partnership that has been growing steadily at a rate of 20% per year since 2009".
"The prices of organic products are to be considered satisfactory, even if they are showing a slight decrease compared to the previous year in this period. In this first part of the season, in particular, prices for tomatoes are €/kg 2.50 for tomato dates, €/kg 1.60 for the smooth round ones, €/kg 1.60 for oval tomatoes, €/kg 2.00 for cherry tomatoes. Courgettes are €/kg 0.90, red and yellow peppers are €/kg 2.00. Cucumbers are €/kg 1.00," concluded Vittorio Gona.
For more information: 
Vittorio Gona
O.P. Coop. Alba Bio
Cda Ferranta, SN
97010 Marina di Ragusa (RG) - Italy
+39 0932 239003
[email protected]
www.gruppoalbabio.it