Competition is between Italy, Spain and the Netherlands
The pepper is not that different from the tomato: the consumer always wants it. The productions are…The pepper is not that different from the tomato: the consumer always wants it. The productions are Italian, but also Dutch and Spanish. The Netherlands and Spain mainly export Californian peppers – the square-shaped ones – while the Italian production is more traditional.
“The price of the peppers hardly changes. In wholesale markets, the Italian production is sold for 1-1.50 euros, if it is of high quality. During the winter months, the price per kilo could increase to 1.50-2 euros.
It is important to keep in mind that peppers are lightweight, but they occupy a lot of volumes. This affects the transportation costs more than for other products”.
The wholesaler said that Spain is the leader of the pepper sector, with a consistent quality. It's rare to have nasty surprises from Spanish suppliers - they are extremely organised.
Another wholesaler stated that he preferred the national product, “Currently, I am in Verona and I am satisfied with my suppliers. I do not like Dutch peppers, they are quite tasteless. The Spanish ones are better than the Dutch ones. However, as long as there is an Italian production, I promote the Made in Italy. These days, I'm selling peppers for 1.30-1.50 euros per kilo".