The first organic blood oranges arrived at the Dutch wholesaler, AgroFair on Wednesday. This variety, called Taracco, is from Sicily.
"Our office in Italy and the BIA growers consortium started the Solidale Italiano project together a few years ago. They did so to sell 100% organic products outside of the country. This is done according to a new European Fairtrade model", says Martin Pietersma.
"Since then, this has become a permanent part of the assortment. With this, we include 100% organic products from the most beautiful regions in Italy. These blood oranges are a unique example of this."
"The season usually already starts in December. However, due to the hot weather, the fruit did not color well. The supply of the first blood oranges was also delayed. We expect to go through until week 14. We can offer our retail clients a nice assortment," explains Martin.
"This is not a common product. We do, however, have a good volume at our disposal. We can use these to fill our programs. We already have a number of clients who want to buy these blood oranges. These clients are in the Netherlands as well as other countries."
"These blood oranges are grown in the original Italian cultivation areas in the Etna region. You can taste the influence of the temperature and soil in the Taracco. They are wonderful to eat."
"It is a kind of Italian pride which might be quickly fading away in the retail hustle and bustle. It can, however, be a nice profit maker with which to top-up your range", concludes Martin.
For more information:
Martin Pietersma
AgroFair
10 Koopliedenweg
2991 LN Barendrecht
Tel: + 31 (0) 180 643 979
Mob: + 31 (0) 623 911 305
martin.pietersma@agrofair.nl
www.agrofair.nl