Italian Strawberry Campaign Negatively Affected by Hot and Dry Weather

The start of the 2022 strawberry campaign in Italy was fruitful with a production of 382,536MT, which is an increase of 31.82% compared to May 2021. Fresh strawberries were sold at an average price of USD 1,90/kg EXW (wholesale price). Despite the initial success, the climate events of June and July have affected the final crop. The anticyclone Caronte invaded the Southern regions of Italy where temperatures reached 41 degrees Celsius, causing drought and burning strawberries in the field. Production of strawberries declined by 18% and prices rose to an average of USD 1,97/kg EXW.