"Although the orange season was characterized by a few difficulties, our work proceeded without hiccups," reported Carmelo Frisenna, sales manager at Arancia Loretta – Uniterra, a company specializing in the production and commercialization of high-quality oranges located in Paternò, Sicily, a stone's throw from Mount Etna.
Carmelo Frisenna
In the meantime, the campaign of Tarocco Ippolito and Tarocco Lempso is proceeding. "They boast excellent internal and external pigmentation with very good organoleptic qualities."
A crate of "Loretta" oranges. (Click here for the photo gallery)
"Thanks to the proximity of Mount Etna, our oranges enjoy great health and so does our campaign, which aims to reach markets all over Europe. Of course we also noticed a drop in the consumption of blood oranges - around 25% - probably due to the abnormally warm weather. Things are better abroad, or at least they are in line with previous years."
Processing in the warehouse
"The production prices of our pigmented produce range between €0.80/kg for the best batches and largest grades and €0.50/kg for lower grades with a high-quality flavor, color and texture. Even though foreign competition, especially from Egypt, affected us during the first two months of the year, we can now count on stricter border checks by the authorities, which are doing an excellent job. We learned of measures taken against the imported produce not compliant with the current regulations, and are very happy about it."
Orange grove with Mount Etna in the background. (Click here for the photo gallery)
"Our Tarocco Ippolito and Tarocco Lempso campaign will end around mid-April, but the season will then continue with late varieties Meli and Sant'Alfio, which will be available until mid-June, weather permitting. Blonde Lane Late oranges will become available around mid-April after the New Hall and Vcr varieties."
Above: Frisenna points to the company certifications
"The late tangerine campaign will also end in April. Grades are medium-small between 2 and 3, with some batches of grade 4. Production is not abundant due to the weather, which though did not affect organoleptic qualities such as flavor and aroma. While harvesting usually ends in mid-April, this year it should end 15/20 days early. Quotations hover around €0.80/kg for the best batches."
For further information:
Uniterra Sicilia Group
Arancia Loretta
Carmelo Frisenna
Sales Manager
+39 348 1329705
uniterrasiciliagroup@yahoo.it
www.arancialoretta.com