The commercialization of late seedless tangerines Linbo™️, a brand which includes different varieties of tangerines, included the Tang Gold patented one and known for their organoleptic qualities such as high juice content and a Brix level between 13 and 15%, will start in a couple of weeks' time.
FreshPlaza interviewed Francesco Paolo Gallo, to discuss the new season.
Photo taken in an Apulian orchard on January, 12th 2021.
FreshPlaza (FP): How is the 2021 campaign coming along?
Francesco Gallo (FG): The fruit is reaching the right ripening level. Grades and peel quality are currently being assessed and multi-residue analyses are being carried out. There are no criticalities and residual integrity is positive also for organic crops.
We are generally pleased with the quality and volumes despite the weird weather of 2020. We have collected various data and, together with the technical director of the Club, we will study the strategies for the next season.
FP: Is the current citrus fruit crisis causing concerns for Linbo™ tangerines as well?
FG: Every year there is talk about the crisis of clementines between November 20th and January 20th. The late market is stable, variations are minor and do not affect the segment. Of course extraordinary factors such as the pandemic and the subsequent increase of production and handling costs can slightly affect the value chain. However, we feel this will not lead to a crisis, but only to a re-adaptation of consumption and volumes, which might become less frenetic. At the moment, the objective of the Club is to increase production to meet domestic and international demand.
Photo taken in a Calabrian orchard on December 29th, 2020.
FP: Are increased volumes and smaller grades expected for this cultivar as well?
FG: Production volumes are those expected, with most fruits having grade 3. We must report, however, that around 5% of the entire orchards were damaged by hail. These volumes will not be sold under the Linbo™️ brand, as they will be sold as category II.
FP: Will the packaging be the same for all producers part of the consortium?
FG: Of course, packaging is essential. We have a well defined brand and graphic style available in various formats. We care a lot about environmental sustainability, so we are using low-impact 100% recyclable materials. The design will be the same for everybody so traceability can be clear and to convey added value for associate operators.
FP: When will the first quantities be available?
FG: We will start during the first week of February and, depending on demand, we might continue until late March. I do not think we will be able to continue after that date, as supply will barely cover a small market share. Anyway volumes will double next year.
Contacts:
TANGO ITALY S.c.ar.l.
S.P. 103 C.da Furnoli, Massafra, 74016, TA
Tel.: (+39) 339 5244270
Email: info@linbo.it
Website: linbo.it