The citrus fruit season has just started at Colleroni, in Sicily. According to company managers, early Navelina oranges ripened early, so harvesting could start in early November.
"Volumes will be lower, but grades will definitely be bigger," reports procurement manager, Paolo Raudino. While it is true that the produce will be slightly more expensive, it does not mean producers will earn more."
Unlike in other areas, rainfall has been quite normal here after a period of drought. The cold temperatures of the past few days will help the colouring of pigmented (blood) oranges.
Mimmo Fisicaro from packaging reports that the campaign might end a month early, but also feels the company will be able to supply all the clients nonetheless.
Sales manager, Sammy Fisicaro, explains that "we might be able to supply new clients too, as people usually tend to contact the experts when produce is lacking." Colleroni managed find its place on the market as a company specialising in citrus fruit, watermelons, table grapes and pomegranates.
The first pomegranate trees were planted a couple of years ago, so productivity has not reached its peak yet. The season started in mid-September with the Parfianka variety and continued with Wonderful from October 10th.
"We hope our pomegranates will be available until Christmas, as they are more delicate as a fruit than oranges. We are still improving our cultivation techniques, for example, pomegranates must be harvested quickly when ripe."
Colleroni produces various orange varieties - Tarocco, Moro, Sanguinello, Washington Navel and Ovale - as well as lemons. 25% of the production is destined for processing, while exports make up 10% of the citrus fruit turnover.
"For us, the PGI mark is a real asset for both oranges and table grapes. Spain represents less competition with respect to previous years, but only because the Italian market pays less than other markets."
Contacts:
Sede legale:
Via Taranto, 1
Pedagaggi (SR)
Tel.: (+39) 095 995515
Fax: (+39) 095 8880504
Email: info@colleroni.it
Web: www.colleroni.it