"We are witnessing a general contraction in consumption due to the widespread loss of household purchasing power. The main causes are low wages and rising grocery and utility expenses. In the commercial sector, we are gaining ground in the artisanal juice industry, which is being requested by the ice cream industry. The most popular products are lemon, strawberry, and pomegranate juices. Mango juice produced by the Sicilian supply chain is also experiencing a surge in popularity," says Vincenzo Mirrione, who owns Migel with his brothers, Alessandro and Francesco. Their father, Pasquale Mirrione, founded Migel in the 1980s.
Migel is a Sicilian company specialized in processing lemon and pomegranate juice, but its range includes different types of concentrates and natural juices made from citrus fruits (lemon, red and blond orange, mandarin), watermelon, strawberry, wild strawberry, prickly pear, black and red mulberries, peaches, and many other ingredients, from which semi-finished products are obtained, destined above all for the ice cream segment. Over the years, Migel has expanded its range by introducing new products and processing methods for fruit derivatives, such as prickly pears and pomegranates, mainly of the Wonderful variety.
Processing of juice in pouches under the Migel brand name
The company sells its own line of handmade juices and purées. These products are sold in bars, ice cream shops, and pastry shops in Sicily and central Italy. Small but consistent amounts of turnover are generated from exports to Sweden and Corsica.
"The current mango supply is insufficient to meet the needs of the processing industry. Fresh mangoes are harvested at the optimal point of ripeness to ensure adequate sugar content. The harvest season typically begins in early August and ends in mid-November, depending on the weather. Due to climate-related issues, such as drought and extremely high temperatures, the 2024 campaign began a few weeks earlier than the previous one."
"Today, it's common for ice cream makers to use fresh fruit because it makes for a delicious end product. In terms of taste and health, it is far superior to industrial ice cream, which is produced with semi-finished products that usually contain food additives, such as emulsifiers, thickeners, colorings, and flavorings. Using fresh frozen fruit for ice cream or snow cones also requires expertise because batches of juice can vary in sugar content and density, necessitating adjustments to the recipe."
Migel is equipped with multipurpose cold rooms offering a total storage capacity of 2,500 pallets. Products can also be stored on consignment at temperatures as low as -20.0°C. All cold rooms are subject to strict access control and continuous monitoring, ensuring optimal safety and quality. Handling services and staff are available 24/7 - including weekends - to meet the operational needs of customers without interruption.
For more information:
Vincenzo Mirrione
Migel Srl
Via Hercules, 99
0044 Carini (Pa) - Italy
(+39) 091 8691204
(+39) 335 6385955
[email protected]
www.migel.it