Italy's marketing window shrinks as long hot summer approaches

摘要

With production rising in Spain, France and Greece, and harvesting delayed by around one week, it's not surprising some Italian producers feel like the walls are closing in. LIKE the UK's pale-skinned knotted-handkerchief brigade, who are currently keeping their fingers crossed that the weather forecasters' prediction of a heatwave this summer turns out to be true, Italy's beleaguered stonef ruit producers are praying for a long, hot summer. Of course, they don't want to tempt fate, but the mere mention of sunshine has already prompted talk of improved peach and nectarine sales, melting away the cold shadow cast by last season's disastrous campaign. The sun-tan oil may remain in the cupboard for the time being, but now may be the time to invest in anew parasol.