Italy ends 2025 PGI Romagna campaign

Rome: The 2025 commercial campaign for PGI Romagna Peach and Nectarine ended with stable demand in Italy and Germany, the main target markets. Despite weather challenges during the early season, the fruit met PGI quality standards in sweetness, firmness, and aroma.

In Italy, the product benefited from renewed interest from retailers and consumers in certified local fruit. In Germany, demand was supported by a consumer segment focusing on PGI and PDO labels and by diversified uses of peaches and nectarines, including smoothies and plant-based recipes.

According to CSO Italy Director Elisa Macchi, production areas in Romagna are consolidating after declines around 2020. “There’s a recovery,” she said, noting varietal renewal aligned with consumer demand. Consumption is also showing growth. Italy, Greece, and Spain account for 70% of total production, with Italy leading per capita consumption at 15 kg per household annually (YouGov data). Consumption in Italy grew 4% in 2023–2024, with nectarines seeing the most growth. Early 2025 showed a decline due to lower availability in June.

Consortium President Paolo Pari said, “There is a revival in the peach and nectarine sector that may bring unexpected outcomes. The growing focus on certified products and connection to the territory drives us to invest more in communication, sustainability, and innovation.” He added that the Consortium will request revisions to production guidelines to include new varieties.

Member companies reported mixed results. Granfrutta Zani noted a slight volume increase and new customer acquisition. Agribologna reported increased purchases from both retailers and foodservice. Conor President Sergio Zavoli emphasized updating varietal lists to improve supply. Il Frutteto highlighted opportunities for retailers without private labels to use PGI branding. Apofruit stated that nectarines led demand throughout July and August. Orogel Fresco noted growing interest in PGI products in Germany, while Alegra pointed to demand supported by digital campaigns. Naturitalia reported underestimation of volumes toward the end of the campaign, which led to price drops.

The 2025 season confirmed ongoing interest in PGI Romagna Peach and Nectarine, with companies highlighting the need for varietal renewal, continued promotion, and coordinated supply chain efforts to maintain market positioning.

Consortium members include Agribologna, Apo Conerpo with Alegra and Naturitalia, Apofruit, AOP Italia, Consorzio Il Frutteto, Consorzio Ortofrutticolo di Romagna, Granfrutta Zani, Orogel Fresco, Tozzi Frutta, and Zavoli.