Table grape prices throughout Italy have fallen by an average of 20-25 per cent, and in some cases by 45 per cent, compared with the past year, according to national farming association Cia.
According to the group, the cost of producing grapes has also risen during the past 12 months, placing increasing pressure on producers in key table grape producing regions like Puglia in the south-east of Italy, as well the country's main wine-producing areas.
'As well as the fall in prices, there have been large increases in production and input costs, which are leading to a net decrease in returns paid to our grape producers,' said a spokesperson.
Cia officials are calling for a meeting with Italian ministers in order to discuss the crisis and avert what they say may lead to a dramatic collapse in the market.
'The current low prices for grapes are forcing producers to sell their fruit below cost,' added the spokesperson. 'As a result, many of them may be compelled to abandon production altogether.'
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