Italian agricultural sector reports strong spring liquidations and record olive harvests

Apofruit Italia has reported a 7% increase in its 2026 spring product liquidations, reaching a total value of 23.4 million euros despite a 4% decrease in quantities delivered. The growth was driven primarily by strawberries, which achieved a record average price exceeding 3.20 euros per kilogram. Significant production occurred in the Metapontino region of Basilicata, supplemented by contributions from Romagna.

In Lombardy, the Garda olive harvest is projected to reach a record 100,000 quintals, more than doubling the previous year's output of 32,000 quintals. Producers attribute the high quantity and quality to a warm summer that eliminated insect pests, marking the best harvest in 20 years. To support the sector, the Lombardy Region is considering two legislative projects aimed at promoting and valuing local olive oil production.