"The Fine de Calabre is a clementine that looks a lot like the Fine de Corse, but costs less than half the price," says Tony Saglietto, director of the Peruzzo group. "These varieties are almost identical. They have the same organoleptic qualities, the same skin and the same sugar content, but they are produced in different regions."
Although 8 out of every 10 French people have never tasted a Calabrian clementine, the Peruzzo group wants to make it a key product on the French market. Tony is quite optimistic. "Consumers are beginning to understand that the Fine de Calabre is not of a lower quality than others, but quite the opposite. Also important is that Fine clementines cost between € 4 and € 5 per kilo in the retail trade, while Calabrian clementines only cost € 2 per kilo. The stores which are starting to sell it recommend it, and consumers seem to like it a lot and their response has been really good so far."
Calabrian clementines are the result of a cross between mandarins and oranges. They are easy to peel and have no seeds. Tony adds that they get exceptional scores in comparative taste studies.
The Peruzzo group grows Calabrian clementines on 70 hectares together with its subsidiary l'Agricola Peruzzo, which was founded in 2015 to produce and distribute grapes and citrus fruits from Sicily and Calabria, respectively. The fruits are marketed under the Bo & Bon brand.
Visual differentiation
Tony says that Fine de Calabre clementines are having a hard time taking over the French market, as they are visually very similar to those from other origins. "For this reason, this year we have launched a 850 gram cardboard tray with handles to allow both the distributor and the consumer to recognize it at a glance."
Satisfactory demand
In addition to the Fine de Calabre clementine, the Peruzzo group sells other Calabrian and Sicilian citrus fruits on the French market, such as Vanilla and Cara Cara oranges, and Italian leaf and Bergamot lemons. "Citrus sales are going relatively well. Despite the coronavirus crisis, people continue to consume." The Peruzzo group markets most of its products to wholesalers, who work with independent stores.
The Peruzzo group is also known for its red kiwifruit. "At the beginning of next year, we will plant another fifteen hectares in France," says Tony.
For more information:
Tony Saglietto
Peruzzo Group
661 avenue de la Durance
13160 Châteaurenard, France
Tel: +33 (0)4 91 10 30 50
Fax: +33 (0)4 91 10 30 65
[email protected]
www.peruzzo-group.com