© Barbera International S.R.L.
"The harvesting of blond oranges started a few days ago, and we expect an excellent season in terms of quality, volumes, and sizes. These are elements that, combined with the typical taste of our oranges harvested at optimal ripeness, will meet with the appreciation of markets and consumers," reported Alessandro Barbera, owner and general manager of the Barbera group based in Adrano (Catania), which specialises in the production and marketing of selected Sicilian fruits.
The company operates on the slopes of Mount Etna, an area characterised by a mild climate and volcanic soil, elements that contribute to the natural peculiarities of its products, such as the Barbera prickly pears. Since 2010, the Barbera group has undergone major changes, evolving from a small family business to a managerial business, with the inclusion of professional figures from outside the family. Investments in the field have been constant, including the renovation of the packaging facility in 2016 and the acquisition of new farms. The ownership has also set up a Cooperative to aggregate the productions of excellence.
© Barbera International S.R.L.
On the agronomic side, citrus and summer/autumn fruit benefited from the spring rains, a fact which, supported by a sustainable and rational management of water resources, has alleviated the concerns of producers about extreme drought.
The Barbera group's commercial strategy aims at "overall quality". This approach integrates the quality of the fruit with excellence in service and customer relations.
In 2025, the company will again offer the domestic market a product segmentation by use, separating table oranges (medium-large grades, ideal for eating in wedges) from juice oranges (small grades, perfect for juicing). This segmentation, aimed at guiding consumer choice, led to the name Gustose Barbera for table oranges and Succose Barbera for juicing oranges, packaged in girsac nets with renewed bands.
The pomegranate campaign is also progressing well, in line with the excellent results achieved with the early varieties. The Wonderful variety, which covers 80% of the areas in eastern Sicily, is experiencing good demand. The ripening and colouring of the fruit is favoured by the recent change in temperature, which accelerates both external and internal pigmentation. The Barbera group is witnessing a growing trend for natural and organic fruits. The company has converted the production of blood oranges and other crops to organic techniques. This choice allows bees to live on the farm for several months of the year, providing a pesticide-free habitat that contributes to spring pollination.
© Barbera International S.R.L.
The company's preferred sales channel remains the European big retail chains, particularly in France, Germany, and Belgium. In recent years, however, the Barbera group has significantly strengthened its presence on the Italian market, an achievement that is a source of particular pride.
"We want to offer the best of Sicily to consumers: healthy and genuine products, cultivated while respecting nature to guarantee a fully satisfying taste experience," concludes Alessandro Barbera.
For more information: 
Alessandro Barbera
Barbera International
Via Catania, 7
95031 Adrano (CT) - Italy
+39 095 760 1071
[email protected]
www.barbera-international.com
