"This year, we are seeing exceptional quality in mandarins from Spain," reports Benoît Maillard-Guillon of Ets Meseguer. Currently available are the Nadorcott, Tangold, and Orri varieties, which entered the market between late January and early February. All three varieties meet high expectations: "As always, we offer visually appealing, richly colored fruit that is also highly fragrant, with a well-balanced sugar-to-bitterness ratio – a hallmark of quality mandarins." 
Milder fruit thanks to maturing orchards
While some consumers may find mandarins slightly more bitter than clementines, their sweetness seems to intensify over time: "As orchards mature, the fruit becomes softer and more aromatic. With age, the bitterness fades, and the overall taste quality improves. Over the past 5 to 10 years, we have observed a continuous enhancement in flavor. This stands in contrast to the mandarins from younger orchards a few years ago—visually striking but often criticized for their unbalanced sugar-to-bitterness profile." 
Orri: The "most popular" mandarin variety
Among the different varieties, the Orri mandarin stands out for its universal appeal: "It's a variety everyone loves. Grown near Valencia, it offers unbeatable freshness. The result is an aesthetically flawless fruit with a deliciously sweet taste and no trace of bitterness, while still maintaining its characteristic mandarin essence. It's a product that delivers pure sweetness and exceptional flavor. This is the second year we have been awarded the 'Flavour of the Year' for our mandarin and clementine varieties, and Orri remains the favorite, achieving record-breaking scores."
Smaller volumes for moderate consumption
Despite the excellent quality, this year's volumes are more limited: "We are experiencing a slight shortage, largely due to the natural phenomenon of alternation. Production fluctuates by 30-40% from year to year, which bodes well for a stronger harvest next season."
These moderate volumes align with current market conditions: "Consumption isn't particularly dynamic at the moment. By maintaining a balanced supply in line with this restrained demand, we ensure smooth sales and reduce the need to chase buyers. This approach also helps us keep prices at a reasonable level. Overall, the market remains well-balanced, and the outlook is positive."
For more information:
Ets Meseguer
Benoît Maillard-Guillon
Tel: +33 146 864 170
[email protected]
www.etsmeseguer.fr