Milan (Italy), improved availability with high prices for the berry range

Improved availability but with persistently high prices across all varieties: blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries.

The survey was conducted on 29/10/2024 in the area of Milano (Italy) on 19 shops owned by 18 retailers belonging to 16 retailing groups.

The full berry range of the following retailers has been surveyed: Aldi, Bennet, Carrefour express, Carrefour Market, Conad, Esselunga, Eurospin, iN's, Iper La Grande I, Iperal , Ipercoop, Lidl, MD, Migross, Pam, Penny, Tigros, U2.

The origins are varied, ranging from Morocco to Portugal, Spain to Argentina, Uruguay to Peru, and even Poland.

There are also numerous brands on the shelves, with many varieties from different brands, creating some confusion for shoppers. It appears that there is still a limited supply, which is thus being sourced globally. However, quality standards are generally good.

These are the findings from today’s Berries Observatory in Milan.

Observations from October 29

The survey took place on October 29, 2024, in the urban area of Milan (Italy) and included 15 retail locations from 15 different banners belonging to 13 retail groups in the organized distribution sector.

Specifically, the product range of the following banners was observed: Aldi, Carrefour Express, Carrefour Market, Conad, Esselunga, Eurospin, iN's, Iper La Grande I, Iperal, Lidl, MD, Pam, Penny, Tigros, and U2.

Assortment

In the stores visited, the berry category ranged from a minimum of 2 to a maximum of 7 varieties, with an average of 3.7 varieties per store. The assortment percentages were as follows: raspberries 87%; blueberries 100%; blackberries 60%; red currants 53%; berry trio packs 13%.

Range breadth

47% of stores carrying berries offered two or three varieties, while 57% had four or more varieties available.

Quality

Quality refers to product condition, measured in terms of absence of significant defects; product intact but not in optimal condition (not fresh, wilted, shriveled, dull, or without bloom); presence of damaged berries and juice; presence of spoiled berries and mold.

The groups with the best quality were identified as Eurospin, Iperal, Lidl, and Tigros.

Sales prices

Berry prices vary as follows:

• Raspberries: average €22.27/kg (min. €17.52/kg – max. €26.80/kg)
• Blueberries: average €23.73/kg (min. €17.16/kg – max. €31.92/kg)
• Blackberries: average €26.34/kg (min. €23.84/kg – max. €31.92/kg)
• Red currants: average €24.59/kg (min. €18.24/kg - max. €47.84/kg)
• Berry trio packs: average €23.15/kg (min. €14.98/kg – max. €29.87/kg)

A total of 70 observations yielded an overall average price of €23.84/kg.

Retailers listed by descending average price (€/kg) of the berry category

Brands

In the stores analyzed, berries were available from a total of 26 brands.

The brand with the highest average prices was Slomp Gourmet, while the brand with the lowest average price for blueberries was Frambuesa De Palos, followed by Aldi.

Packaging

77% of the blueberry varieties were sold in 125-gram packages.

Online retail prices

Click here to access the weekly updated online price lists for berries.

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