The whole world is aware of Sicilian blood oranges and of how good they are. They are used by the leading beverage producers and are even commercialised in the US. Unfortunately, however, there is no guarantee for consumers on the origin and composition of the fruit juices that reach their tables.
The citrus fruit sector is very important for the island's GDP, but there's always someone saying that it is rather fragmented and deregulated, thus penalising the whole chain.
Nataliès Orchid Island Juice Company, a company located in Florida (USA), is currently introducing a range of Sicilian blood orange juices that won the FABI Award 2017.
However, even though it states it "selects" the best Sicilian fresh fruit, it does not provide any other details. Maybe even the verb "select" is wrong as, usually, batches are selected by producers rather than processers.
However, even though it states it "selects" the best Sicilian fresh fruit, it does not provide any other details. Maybe even the verb "select" is wrong as, usually, batches are selected by producers rather than processers.
Even institutions do not provide clear data, as often they cannot produce common figures on fresh product and citrus juice flows.
And the possibility of creating discussion forums in which Sicilian entrepreneurs can reason together on the effective production of oranges, lemons and grapefruit as it happens for other segments in northern Italy is remote.
The main question that poses problems is the fact that there are no regulations establishing the need for traceability along the chain.
This means that, as there is no record of quantities of produce processed and product obtained, any citrus juice can be from Sicily.
Therefore, we know nothing about the quality, quantity and price of the fruit to be destined to the production of "made in Sicily" juice.
We talked about this with Salvatore Imbesi (in the photo), general manager of Agrumi-Gel, located in Barcellona Pozzo di Gozzo (ME). He has always been involved in solving this controversy, which was submitted to the European Parliament and unfortunately led to a less than clear answer.
"I believe we need to shed light on market dynamics and this is only possible with a system capable of tracing the quantities of fruit cultivated, harvested, commercialised and processed."
"It is essential that this information is available to everyone. At the moment, the data available from the different institutions paint different pictures. I believe the best solution would be to have a single database to collect all the information available."
"This would help the global market get a clear idea of production flows in our country. We can no longer allow products to have a list of products of which only one actually comes from Sicily but state that it is blood orange juice on their label."
"It is essential that this information is available to everyone. At the moment, the data available from the different institutions paint different pictures. I believe the best solution would be to have a single database to collect all the information available."
"This would help the global market get a clear idea of production flows in our country. We can no longer allow products to have a list of products of which only one actually comes from Sicily but state that it is blood orange juice on their label."
"This is first of all an insult to consumers, as they believe they are purchasing a product with characteristics specific to a territory but which in fact has very little to do with it."
"In addition, it also damages operators, lessening the value of producer activities. I'm starting to think that clear regulations as regards the use of products and labelling is actually opposed by bottling companies."
"If we were to take a tour around the shelves of any supermarket chain in the world, we would fill a trolley with products bearing misleading images and names, as it is always positive to associate the Sicily brand to citrus fruit."
"The fact that we actually don't even have enough volumes to justify the amount of products in commerce doesn't seem to be a problem for anyone."
"Many operators - small producers, cooperatives and institutions - support me, even though others have abandoned the project over time."
"This is also why I'm led to believe that it is an uncomfortable project for the strong powers more concerned with market principles."
"I firmly believe we need to clarify this situation and that, over the short to long term, with the support of enlightened operators, traceability will help the sector and the future generations."
"We do have examples to follow. The fact that some Italian brands report detailed information on the origin of their products is the proof that, despite the lack of regulations and the influence of multinationals, things can be done autonomously."
"Going back to the article on Nataliès Orchid Island Juice Company, reading that 'blood orange juice is packaged artisanally from the best Sicilian fresh oranges and that the product is free from preservatives, aromas, concentrate and artificial ingredients' really fills me with joy."
Contacts:
Agrumi-Gel S.r.l.
C.da Girotta
98051 - Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto (ME)
Tel.: (+39) 090 9707329
Fax: (+39) 090 9797967
Cell.: (+39) 347 3830904
Email: imbesi.salvatore@agrumigel.it
Web: www.agrumigel.it
"Going back to the article on Nataliès Orchid Island Juice Company, reading that 'blood orange juice is packaged artisanally from the best Sicilian fresh oranges and that the product is free from preservatives, aromas, concentrate and artificial ingredients' really fills me with joy."
Contacts:
Agrumi-Gel S.r.l.
C.da Girotta
98051 - Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto (ME)
Tel.: (+39) 090 9707329
Fax: (+39) 090 9797967
Cell.: (+39) 347 3830904
Email: imbesi.salvatore@agrumigel.it
Web: www.agrumigel.it