"Since the beginning of November, we have started marketing Naveline, a very popular blond variety. In spring, we finally had the water needed for our citrus groves after years of drought, which resulted in smaller volumes yet larger grades," reports Semmy Fisicaro, president of the Sicilian Opi Sicula.
© OPI SICULA O.P. SOC. COOP. AGR.
The cooperative, which is based in Pedagaggi (Carlentini), is celebrating its tenth anniversary. The organisation was founded by a group of producers who initially cultivated table grapes in the Mazzarrone area, but today citrus fruits are among the main crops. The cooperative is based on a participatory model, and currently boasts 112 members who manage a total of 1110 hectares in the provinces of Catania, Syracuse, and Ragusa.
Member companies produce sustainable oranges according to the ISCC Plus standard, which certifies their environmental and social sustainability. Opi Sicula is also GlobalGAP and GRASP certified, and holds the PGI certifications for Arancia Rossa di Sicilia, Limone di Siracusa, and Uva da tavola di Mazzarrone.
© OPI SICULA O.P. SOC. COOP. AGR.
The harvest strategy aims to deliver a product with a high sugar content while observing the natural ripening of the fruit.
On the commercial front, the market is slow. Above-average temperatures do not favour purchases, as oranges are perceived as a fruit to be consumed in winter, and also as an antidote to seasonal colds.
The supply calendar of Opi Sicula is extensive. When it comes to blond citrus fruit varieties, Navelina is available from early November to late January. The harvesting of Washington Navel starts in January, and the season continues until May with the Lanelate, Ovale, and Valencia varieties.
As for blood oranges, we start with Tarocco from early December until May, which is followed by Moro from December to February, and by Sanguinello from February to April.
Semmy Fisicaro sums up the company's strategy: "We continue to harvest our citrus fruits respecting their natural ripeness, guaranteeing a product that maintains a high sugar content for consumption."
For more information:
OPI Sicula O.P. Soc. Coop. Agr.
Head office: C/da Pezzagrande sn
96013 Pedagaggi - Carlentini (SR)
Head office: Viale del lavoro, 5
95040 Mazzarrone (CT)
+39 333 2049786 / +39 333 3211296
[email protected]
