Sud ImpEx has been selling Sicilian prickly pear for two years. The current campaign, which just kicked off, is expected to last two months. Based at Marché Saint-Charles, the company specializes in importing and distributing Spanish fruits and vegetables across France and Europe. Over time, Sud ImpEx has expanded its offerings through partnerships with producers in the Occitanie region and has recently turned to Italy for its premium-quality products. 
Native to Mexico, the prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica cactus) was introduced to Europe in the 15th century. Thriving in arid conditions, it has adapted well to the Mediterranean climate and is now primarily cultivated in Morocco (which produces more than 5,000 tonnes a year), Algeria, Tunisia, southern Spain, and Italy.
"Fields as far as the eye can see"
"After the grape, the prickly pear is Sicily's most emblematic fruit", says Julien Cremer, the company's director. Sud ImpEx exclusively markets the fruit grown in Catania province in eastern Sicily. "The landscape is stunning, with cactus fields stretching endlessly. Our partner producer meticulously handpicks each fruit at peak ripeness, harvesting only when it turns red." The fruit's color varies depending on ripeness and variety, ranging from green to yellow, orange, and red. In Sicily, popular varieties include Sanguigna (red), Surfarina (yellow), and Muscaredda (white).
To enhance the yield, growers employ the 'Scozzolatura' technique, which involves removing the cactus's first flowers to encourage a second bloom. This practice results in larger, sweeter, juicier fruit with more flesh.
However, transportation poses a challenge. "Buyers in Paris find it easier to purchase in smaller batches, while from Perpignan, we have to order a full truckload due to less efficient Italian logistics compared to Spain or France," Cremer notes.
The prickly pear is a tree-like plant that can reach heights of up to 5 meters. Its stems feature cladodes, flat, rounded "pads" on which flowers bloom and eventually develop into the famous fruit.
A product that deserves greater recognition
Though still relatively unknown, prickly pears are rare on supermarket shelves. "It's primarily a product sold in wholesale markets, especially in Rungis, Lyon, and Bordeaux. When available in supermarkets, they are often in small quantities and usually packaged in punnets due to the fruit's thorns." While connoisseurs seek out this fruit, its popularity is gradually increasing, not just for its unique taste, reminiscent of watermelon or melon, but also for its numerous health benefits. 
For more information:
Julien Cremer (Director)
Sud ImpEx
582 avenue de Bruxelles
66000 PERPIGNAN
Tel: +(33)4 68 54 89 06
[email protected]
https://sudimpex.fr/
