“The current, unjustifiably low oil price levels risk destroying Italian olive production, causing serious damage to the sector even in the medium-long term. Stability must be an absolute priority for the supply chain, which has been harmed by continuous market fluctuations even in the face of not particularly significant changes in product quantity.
The ongoing speculation not only prevents us from being competitive, but also ends up confusing consumers, undermining the efforts made in the process of raising awareness about quality. Italian oil, unlike that of other countries, is subject to rigorous production controls that certify its traceability, quality and distinctiveness.
Yet, comparing data with other countries reveals an incredibly small differential: €0.30 per kilogram compared to the Spanish and Greek markets, which have remained stable over the past month, and €0.60 compared to the Tunisian market. Further confirmation comes from analysis of data from the Bari commodity exchange, which in one month lost more than 50 cents in value, dropping from €4.70 per kilogram to €4.20.
The commodity exchange should have settled at €4.90 per kilogram. These numbers speak clearly and firmly push us to carry on this battle, convinced that the healthy part of the sector’s industry will stand alongside us to defend a system that must give absolute centrality to consumers. We will always be on their side, ready to inform them in the face of speculative operations carried out by large-scale retail in an emergency context”.
So states David Granieri, president of Unaprol and OP LATIUM.
