The harvesting of clementines started in early October at O.P. Agricor, owner of the Gallo brand. The fruit is cultivated on the Sibari plain and is sweeter than 2016 by two Brix degrees (13-14 against the 11 of last year). "This sweetness is due to the drought in summer, which damaged other crops but favoured this aspect in clementines. Grades are medium," explains President Natalino Gallo.
Compared to last year, a 20% drop in production is expected in the area (due to the high temperatures and little rain). Harvesting in the 600 hectares managed by O.P. Agricor will continue until late February with the late crops, for five varieties in total.
Naturalness and goodness. And edible peel
The Sibari plain, which is perfect for growing this citrus fruit due to its temperature ranges, is a feather in the cap of Made in Italy productions. The company managed by Natalino Gallo wants to support and promote it with final consumers.
The O.P. Agricor cooperative applies strict standards to respect and safeguard the naturalness of products. This is why the peel of Gallo clementines is edible - they undergo no post-harvesting treatments.
Product naturalness is very important to President Gallo, as Italian produce has to compete against the foreign fruit available on the market. "First of all, it's rather curious that consumption in a country growing so much produce depends on that imported from abroad. What's even more curious is that the Italian produce complies with all kinds of regulations while incoming produce from Egypt or Morocco is subjected to regulations that are less strict.
Choosing clementines from the Sibari plains, i.e. purchasing domestic produce, means being certain that the fruit hasn't been treated. It's also important that retail chains make final customers aware of the difference so that their choice is not only based on the cheapest price but on real quality."
In this particular context, O.P. Agricor is committed to guaranteeing a fair sales price to its members, "so that everyone can earn enough."
In this particular context, O.P. Agricor is committed to guaranteeing a fair sales price to its members, "so that everyone can earn enough."
The Eccelsa project
O.P. Agricor is currently testing a late clementine that could be introduced next year under the Eccelsa brand (already known on the market thanks to premium red apricots). Testing also involves studying a suitable commercialisation strategy, as the fruit will have excellent grades and sweetness.
Contacts:
Natalino Gallo - administrator
Cell.: (+39) 348 3709730
OP Agricor - Gallo
C.da S. Lucia
87064 Corigliano Calabro (CS)
Tel.: (+39) 0983 886001
Fax: (+39) 0983 889276
Email: info@gallonatura.com
Web: www.gallo-natura.com
O.P. Agricor is currently testing a late clementine that could be introduced next year under the Eccelsa brand (already known on the market thanks to premium red apricots). Testing also involves studying a suitable commercialisation strategy, as the fruit will have excellent grades and sweetness.
Contacts:
Natalino Gallo - administrator
Cell.: (+39) 348 3709730
OP Agricor - Gallo
C.da S. Lucia
87064 Corigliano Calabro (CS)
Tel.: (+39) 0983 886001
Fax: (+39) 0983 889276
Email: info@gallonatura.com
Web: www.gallo-natura.com