"While the sales campaign started well with interesting prices, the same cannot be said for the latest produce. However, we managed to do well this year thanks to our varietal choices, which achieved high prices for a good part of May," reports Vincenzo Cavaleri, production manager for the family business.
Vincenzo Cavaleri
Azienda agricola Cavaleri Angelo, named after Vincenzo's father, is located in Licata (AG), in the heart of Sicily's netted melon production area. Some of the country's best production areas are locate here, known also for their exceptional precocity, so much so that the first European melons of the season come precisely from here.
Tripudio F1
The varieties chosen by Azienda Cavaleri are Tripudio F1, a netted melon with a yellow rind, and Rubino F1, a netted melon with a green rind and red flesh, both by HM.Clause Italia. As explained by the producer himself, such choices have proved to be winners.
Rubino F1
"This was the first year we transplanted Tripudio. The variety is suitable for early transplants but, due to various personal and company reasons, we managed it a little later, so we started harvesting in mid-May. The feedback from traders was immediately great as the yellow rind, pronounced netting and firm, sweet and aromatic flesh provided an added value. As for the management of polytunnels, plants proved rustic and resistant to environmental stress. Setting was excellent. In general, we can say we were impressed by the productivity. Shelf-life proved to be good for transports to far-away markets."
"Nonetheless, the feather in our cap remains Rubino. It is an excellent variety that stands out on the market due to its exceptionally red, firm and sweet flesh. It can become productive as early as 80 days from harvesting with excellent organoleptic qualities. Quality is highly rewarded on the market in fact, while the first quantities of Tripudio melons achieved a price just below €2/kg, Rubino managed to exceed that. The variety is well-known and demanded by markets in northern Italy and we are very pleased to supply it to those that request it."
"Harvesting has almost ended in the Licata areas and we are actually pleased as, since the availability of the produce from northern Italy has increased, production prices have dropped."
Rubino F1
"The fact that spring arrived late has meant volumes have not been abundant from the start. This led to excellent prices and a more balanced ratio between demand and supply. Then the situation changed over the past few days, with prices of €0.40/kg at production. These excessive fluctuations make life really difficult for us, especially now that raw materials are very expensive."
The company covers 5 hectares and also produces table tomatoes, zucchini, artichokes and Canary yellow melons.
For further information:
Vincenzo Cavaleri
Azienda Agricola Cavaleri Angelo
Via Borromini 7/A
92027 Licata (AG) – Italy
+39 3342936183
[email protected]