"We are the first Italian region to produce clementines with and without Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). The areas dedicated to the production of bergamots, oranges, mandarins and kiwis are also increasing. With regard to horticultural production, the fennel of Isola Capo Rizzuto PGI, the Patata della Sila PGI and the Cipolla Rossa di Tropea Calabria PGI are of particular interest. All of them are precious agricultural products of our region, Calabria." These are the words of Giuseppe Arone, president of the OP Frujt of Calabria, regarding the commercial trend of the moment and the participation of the region as a partner in the next edition of the fair Macfrut.
Typical products of Calabria, including Patata della Sila and Cipolla Rossa di Tropea Calabria both PGI
Eighty percent of the cooperative's turnover comes from the marketing of citrus fruits on the domestic market and a wide range of processed products, some of which are organically grown.
"On the commercial side, there is a clear recovery in consumption," says Arone. "The campaign for blonde oranges, which are in high demand, is also due to the lower volumes available in Sicily. The Mandarino Tardivo di Ciaculli has experienced a record year, with remunerative prices that we hope to maintain until the end of the campaign, that is, for the next ten days. In general, our citrus fruits have been appreciated by the Italian consumer, who recognizes their added value in terms of taste and controlled supply chain. While our historical competitors, led by Spain, beat us on convenience, in terms of raw material quality, our fruit is unbeatable!"
"The processed fruit campaign is also progressing quite well," concludes Arone, "compared to fresh produce, it presents a less risky commercial dynamic. We mainly process typical seasonal vegetables that we turn into pickles, jams and tomato sauce. The peppers deserve a separate chapter, they are offered in the form of cream, in extra virgin olive oil, jam, powder or chopped. These products are natural, artisanal, do not contain preservatives and contain the entirety and quality of the certified raw material. They are seasonal products that favor craftsmanship over large quantities. That's why the distribution is done in specialized stores and small supermarkets throughout the country."
The history of the company
The organization was founded in Locri, Calabria, and specializes, among other things, in the production and commercialization of citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, clementines, bergamots and mandarins Tardivo di Ciaculli, kiwis, as well as red fruits (raspberries, blackberries and blueberries). The producers' organization has about 50 direct members and 5 cooperatives, which provide a production of about 8,000 tons of fruit from the exploitation of 700 hectares of land located in the fertile regions of Calabria.
For more information:
Peppe Arone
OP Frujt Frutticoltori Jonici-Tirrenici
Tél. : +39 393 889 7534
peppearone@gmail.com
www.opfrujt.it