"Femminello siracusano" lemons (fine-grained peel, good resistance, juicy, few small seeds) can only be found in a small area in south-eastern Sicily, between Syracuse, Avola and Noto. They are among the best lemons in Europe, so much so that they were granted the PGI mark.
Agricoop Bio has operated in this area since 1989 and can now count on 150 associates.
In 1994, it decided to convert its entire production to the organic cultivation method through the Bioagricert certification.
Processing facility
The company is currently made up of 200 partners with 350 hectares of organic citrus groves and 50 hectares of traditional groves (80% lemons and 20% oranges).
The storing and packaging centre is equipped with a compactor, two graders, eight packing stations, two mechanical scales, a packaging centre, accountant's office and goods control.
Agricoop-Bio works only with skilled technical staff that can meet the needs of both producers and clients.
Tommaso Caruso (see photo) runs the company with a selected team that monitors all processes from harvesting to commercialisation.
Agricoop Bio is one of the few companies in the Syracuse area that exclusively cultivates typical local lemons.
"The campaign has just ended and it was one of the best of the past 5 years. Prices were always high and quality was good. We have processed, packaged and commercialised over 10 million kg with a turnover of around €6 million."
"We work mainly with the Italian market, but 30% of the produce is exported to Germany, France, England, Slovenia and Greece."
"The market mainly requires three types of packaging - girsacs (nets), loose in line and loose in crates."
"70% of the production is sold to retailers and wholesalers."
Early ripening
"The weather affects production a lot. This year, for example, ripening is earlier and quantities have increased with respect to the last campaign. If demand keeps constant, as it was last year, the season should be great."
"The weather affects production a lot. This year, for example, ripening is earlier and quantities have increased with respect to the last campaign. If demand keeps constant, as it was last year, the season should be great."
"Our lemons are actually available throughout the year. The only thing that varies are the type of product and quantities available. The main variety is Primofiore, which is available between November and May. Then we have the Verdello variety between June and October, although quantities are limited."
Communicating excellence to consumers
"Femminello Siracusano is one of the best lemons from an organoleptic point of view. Our objective is to make consumers understand that our lemons are exclusive to our territory and arrive on their tables within 24/48 hours from harvesting, and therefore have a lower environmental impact than those from Argentina or South Africa. Of course our staff is always committed to improving quality and conquering new, high-end markets."
Contacts:
Agricoop Bio
C.da Mutubè snc
96012 Avola (SR)
Tel./fax: 0931 832404
Email: agricoopbio@simail.it
Email: agricoopbio@hotmail.it
Tommaso Caruso - cell. 393 6389737