"We were among the first to plant this late Tarocco Meli variety in the late 1990s. Our production areas are particularly suitable for citrus fruit cultivation, as they guarantee a pleasant crisp flavor while preserving organoleptic qualities even this time of year," explains Biagio Speciale, CRO at Arance Speciale, a company located in Sicily.
Biagio Speciale
"Based on the feedback we receive from our domestic and international distributors, we can say our product is interpreted by final consumers as a fresh, refreshing and healthy snack even during the hottest parts of the year. After all, few fresh products are as thirst quenching as oranges, so why only eat them in winter?"
The fact that Tarocco Meli oranges are a late variety and that they keep well in home fridges means consumers can eat citrus fruit boasting exceptional organoleptic qualities in spring too, and even during the summer.
As regards current market dynamics, the entrepreneur reports that: "We have gone through a delicate period. While the average price of citrus fruit increased considerably last year at the height of the pandemic - when there was a lot of demand for healthy products - things have been different during the first few months of 2021."
"This campaign was characterized by excessive supplies, with an abundance of produce with medium-small grades and a slower demand, undoubtedly caused by the reduced purchasing power of the clientele. This was due to the economic situation compromised by the pandemic and by the closure of the H&R sector. The excessive supply and reduced demand have also represented a deciding factor for many businesses, as the harvesting of many citrus fruit varieties was delayed. Although the entire workforce was used for production and harvesting, many companies have had to extend the time fruits remained on the plants, leading to a delayed introduction to the market of citrus fruit with deteriorated organoleptic qualities."
"As regards the prices at origin during the season, the data provided by Ismea Mercati clearly highlight a negative trend. For example, the average production price of Navel oranges hovered between the €0.44/kg of October 2020 to the €0.34/kg of April 2021, while Tarocco Gallo went from the €0.42/kg of December 2020 to the €0.32/kg of April 2021. Ismea Mercati statistics therefore report a drop in quotations of over 20% during the season. Compared with the average values at origin indicated by Ismea Mercati and reported above, Arance Speciale products reached higher prices due to the correct harvesting period of the different varieties and good health and organoleptic qualities."
"Our company has managed to do well thanks to the great variety of Tarocco oranges produced, capable of guaranteeing fruit in line with the season and constantly available between December and June. A great contribution to our production is represented precisely by Tarocco Meli, which is currently being processed and boasts a high quality. Harvesting will end around mid-June."
For further information:
Biagio Speciale
Arance Speciale srl
Largo dei Vespri, 19,
95128 Catania - Italy
+39 331 200 7881
biagio@arancespeciale.com