The marketing campaign of the protected mandarin variety Leanri is in its final stages, and this year it could come to a close with around 20,000 tons sold.
This variety is usually harvested between December and February, which gives it an interesting marketing window, some three weeks ahead of other premium mandarins.
"The Leanri can be kept for a long time on the tree; in some cases, it has been harvested even in March," says Charo Marín, from ANB-GCM Material Vegetal, the company that owns this variety. "Moreover, it's also highly suited for cold storage, which allows cold storage programs of up to two months after the harvest while maintaining excellent quality. Some growers have managed to extend this period to up to four months with good post-harvest results, reaching even the month of May."
The persistent rains in February and March have had a variable impact, depending on the area and harvest period. According to Marín, "in general, the Leanri has performed well in these circumstances thanks to its conservation capacity."
Currently, Leanri is mostly available in Spain, Portugal, and northern Europe. "It has an intense flavor and a good size, and it's easy to peel, so it has been well received by both consumers and retailers, especially in a market that is increasingly focused on differentiation and sustainability," says Marín.
A recent study by Kantar shows that mandarin consumption has been stagnating in Europe in recent years. According to Charo Marín, "this could be due, among other factors, to a poorly differentiated supply. This is why varieties such as the Leanri have a key role to play in boosting sales. Their intense flavor, ease of peeling, and absence of seeds respond very well to current European consumer preferences. The market needs varieties with their own identity, capable of offering a superior consumer experience. This is exactly what Leanri delivers," she says.
In addition to Spain, the Leanri is grown in countries in the Southern Hemisphere, as well as in the United States, Morocco, and Italy, where both the variety's commercial potential and its agronomic performance are appreciated.