"Organic asparagus is selling well at the moment"

After a 'false start' in mid-February, the organic asparagus campaign at the Pasquariello Giovanni farm in Carapelle (Foggia, Italy) officially began in mid-March. In total, the company grows 20 hectares of organic and 20 hectares of conventional asparagus. The Apulian company specializes in growing typical vegetables from the province of Foggia, including asparagus, and is a member of the APOPA producers' organization.

"The first organic asparagus was cut in mid-March, a month earlier than in the previous two seasons. This year's unusually warm weather accelerated the growth of the asparagus and we were able to start immediately with significant quantities," says Giovanni Pasquariello. "This situation was the cause of some confusion on the part of both growers and traders, with a certain amount of reluctance on the part of buyers. However, the situation was quickly resolved within a matter of days. Sales picked up and prices were initially high."

"We are currently harvesting normal volumes and about 30-40% of the season is complete. With the increase in available quantities, prices have returned to acceptable levels and sales are also smooth and regular. We are seeing prices of over €5.50 per kilo for organic asparagus and around €3.50 per kilo for the conventional product."

Asparagus-based tastings at the last Fruit Logistica organized by the company

Organic asparagus is marketed in Germany and Austria, while conventional asparagus is marketed in France and the Baltic countries. But Pasquariello noticed something strange: "In recent weeks we have received an unusual number of requests from buyers in northern Europe, especially Germany. I think there must have been problems with the quality of the product arriving from Spain. At the very least, we have been able to meet a part of the demand."

Photos provided by Giovanni Pasquariello