It was a complicated year for the citrus market. Prices were about 30% lower than usual and the rains in the Valencia region of Spain have damaged much of the harvest. In France, the situation is even more difficult because of the ‘yellow vests’ movement. It was in this unusual context that the company L’As du Ventoux, based in the Vaucluse, introduced two new citrus brands of superior quality. Their tangerines are already available in the Leclerc supermarkets.
“This year, we have developed a production in the south of Spain and another in Portugal,” explains José Illan. L’As du Ventoux created a brand for each origin. For the Portuguese oranges and tangerines, the company introduced the brand Agricitrus. As for the Spanish products, they are marketed under the brand name Xavi.
The production areas and the shipping stations are located in the south of Spain. The Spanish line of products includes oranges, tangerines and lemons. For the moment, only the tangerines are commercialized. “We want to offer high quality products. The oranges came a bit late this year and their color is not very beautiful yet. As for the lemons, there is not a lot of choice in caliber yet so we must wait a little longer,” explains José. The tangerines, however, have a beautiful color and a wonderful taste. According to José, customers are very satisfied. “In terms of quality, our tangerines are comparable to the Mademoiselle and Toujours tangerines.”
José adds that it is difficult to settle on the market. “The Xavi brand has already made its place in some supermarkets. We hope to be able to develop it a little more in the second half of the campaign, after Christmas. We already have a few contacts in sight for January.”
The Xavi tangerines are of the Clemenvilla variety
An all year round offer
The new line of citrus fruits enables L’As du Ventoux to provide customers of large retailers with products throughout the whole year. “Before, we would offer apricots, then cherries, grapes and wild mushrooms. And after that, we would have to stop. Now, we can stay on the market all year round.”
Decrease in turnover
The company L’As du Ventoux is still quite hindered by the ‘yellow vests’ movement. “We deliver to all departments of France. The trucks are essentially blocked in Brittany and around Rungis. The deliveries are delayed and the turnover is down about 20%.”
For more information :
José Illan
L’As du Ventoux
Phone : +33 (0)6 51 22 16 98
as.du.ventoux@gmail.com