W25: Plum & Prune Update

In W25 in the plum and prune landscape, the arrival of the first plums from southern Italy in the markets of central North Italy has received positive feedback. The plums, such as the Dofi Sandra variety with its dark skin, are characterized by excellent size and flavor. Francesca Gallicchio, the director of Gallicchio Frutta, reports receiving numerous customer orders for plums, indicating a promising season ahead. Prices have increased by 40% compared to 2022, varying based on quality, size, and packaging. The current Dofi Sandra sizes range from 50 to 70 mm. Despite a wet spring, the plum crop appears to be in excellent condition, with medium-sized fruit on the trees and positive feedback from consumers regarding taste. The warm weather in recent days is expected to further enhance consumption and improve fruit quality. International requests, particularly from Germany, are also being received, indicating promising prospects for the plum market.

In Slivensko in Bulgaria, the orchards suffered significant damage, with 80% being destroyed by spring frost, followed by a devastating hailstorm on June 21st. Particularly affected were the villages of Krushare, Zlati Voivoda, and Mechkarevo, where the hail accompanied by 40 liters of rain per hour wreaked havoc. The chairman of the Bulgarian Peach Association, Kosta Petrov, reported that 160 rockets were launched in an attempt to combat the hail, but the damage was extensive. A ten-acre plum orchard in Krushare was severely affected, leaving the remaining harvest only suitable for brandy production. The full extent of the damage is yet to be assessed as not all farmers have had the chance to survey their fields. Meanwhile, the municipal agricultural service is conducting inspections to evaluate the failed areas after the spring frosts, but compensation for the fruit growers is still uncertain.

Lastly, Turkey and Uzbekistan signed a Preferential Trade Agreement, leading to the cancellation of customs duties on several imported goods from Uzbekistan. The Ministry of Trade, based on a presidential decree, published an order in the government's official gazette, specifying the application of tariff quotas for certain types of goods originating from Uzbekistan. As part of this agreement, the tariff quotas for goods like onions, shallots, peas (chickpeas), and plums from Uzbekistan will be adjusted, effectively abolishing customs duties and setting the duty rate to zero. The decision and order are scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2023. This move is aimed at promoting trade and strengthening economic ties between the two nations.