The Italian region of Veneto opposes the sanctions and is in favour of recognising the new status of Crimea, a vote on Wednesday showed. Although the vote will not have any further impact, it does represent the position of an important region. “The Italian government must insist that the sanctions are lifted immediately and that economic ties are restored,” according to the initiator.
Italy
Russia increased imports of table grapes
Russia increased further imports of table grapes from Italy.
According to the Federal State Statistics Service of Russia, the country imported about 2,600 tons of Italian grapes in September. 50% more than the previous year. For the period July to September 2013, Italian exports already reached 5000 tons.
In the previous season, Russia had imported 16,000 tons of grapes from Italy. Italy is still far from the main supplier, Turkey, which exported 134,000 tons of grapes in Russia. Uzbekistan, Chile, Peru, Moldova and the preceding Italy which is ranked only as 8th supplier of table grapes from Russia.
Russia: record high imports of Italian grapes in 2012/13
Despite a slight decrease in Russia’s total grape imports in the season 2012/13, Italy managed to export more grapes to the Russian Federation.
Italy’s grape exports to Russia rose by 60% year-on-year and amounted to 16,000 tons, the highest result over the past 5 seasons.
An increase in exports enabled Italy to improve its position in Russia’s grape import geography. In the season 2012/13 Italy ranked eighth, while a season before the country was the tenth largest exporter of grapes to Russia.
Source: www.fruit-inform.com