The company Armand Fabre specializes in Corsican clementines. "This year the production of clementines in Corsica will reach approximately 25,000 tons, of which 3,000 tons are sold by us," says Armand Fabre. "Compared to Spain, which has about a million tons, it's a very small amount. There is a very high demand for Corsican clementines in France because it is the only French clementine. It is worth perhaps twice as much or maybe three times more than clementines from Spain. "
Export
"Unfortunately, since there is not a large production, 90% of Corsican clementines are sold in France," says Armand. "The remaining 10% are exported to Belgium and Switzerland. We cannot export them elsewhere. It's a shame, because every time we have international trade shows, people find them very good. "
Currently the company sells clementines of the early Caffin variety, from October 20th to November 10th. "After that, we will get started with the Fine Corsica variety, which accounts for 90% of production," says Armand. The campaign will last until January.
Clementines are sold with their leaves
A nice story
The first clementine plants from Corsica were imported from Morocco in the sixties. "The plants came to Marseille, where it was extremely cold. Many plants died. The plants that remained became the parents of the plantations now present throughout Corsica. This is how the Corsican producers, with the help of the agricultural research station of San Giuliano, created a robust variety. "
Armand Fabre sells clementines with different packaging sizes. "We have 12 kg, 6 kg, 1 kg and 1.5 kg trays, as well as smaller packages."
Small calibres
"Given they are naturally fertilized, the Corsican clementine is not very big; especially this year, which is a small year in the entire Mediterranean basin. But it is however very good.” More and more Corsican orchards are transitioning to an organic production.
According to Armand, the Corsican clementine has superior organoleptic qualities. "It is sweet and sour at the same time. In addition, the clementines undergo very few treatments. The color is 100% natural. The orchards are selected to have very large leaves. Sometimes it feels like buying a plant instead of a fruit. It's really beautiful."
Corsican production
"In Corsica, we are also trying to develop lemons with leaves, as well as oranges for the month of December to complement the range. As for clementines, the colouring will be 100% natural. Beginning in April, Corsica commercializes about 5 thousand tons of red grapefruit."
For more d'information:
Armand Fabre
Tel : 00 33 (0)4 42 43 43 90
Email: armand.f.fabre@orange.fr
www.armandfabre.com