It seems Russia is increasingly interested in importing blood oranges, so FreshPlaza talked to some operators for a comment on the situation concerning Sicilian oranges.
Alessandro Scuderi, chiarman of Consorzio Arancia Rossa di Sicilia IGP, said that "Russia should be considered a continent rather than a single state. It is indeed interested in our product, so much so that a lot of little importers buy supplies from Padua's market. Recently Distretto Agrumi Sicilia (Sicilian Citrus District) started working on a strategy to enter this market, but it is still too early to talk volumes."
Federica Argentati, chairman of Distretto Produttivo Agrumi di Sicilia, explained that "the change in conditions of average Russian consumers means they are more interested in blood oranges. Sicily is now starting to work on a plan to enter this market with the help of the main groups and POs, especially since the market is rather a difficult one."
"It is clear that we need to be organised and promote a product that can really make a difference, especially considering competition from Turkey, Spain and Greece. We have to make people understand that blood oranges are not only for juices, but at the moment demand is high for small fruits at little prices."
Distretto Agrumi Sicilia is currently working with a number of Sicilian companies to reach this objective, also thanks to their taking part in "Interfood 2014" (18th-21st March 2014), which will be held in St. Petersburg.
Enzo Leonardo, sales manager of OP Red Co.P, adds that "we are exporting a little to Russia, but the market is quite difficult because the produce is appreciated but prices are still low. Tarocco, Moro and Sanguinello are the most popular varieties, but Russians tend to buy their supplies from the wholesale markets of Verona or Padua where prices are lower and it is difficult to get into direct contact with retailers because distribution is not yet centralised."
Salvo Laudani, marketing manager of Oranfrizer, explains that "Sicilian blood oranges have been available in Russia for a few years, but they usually come from some markets in Northern Italy. This year, we have started dealing with some retailers to supply them with superior quality products with bigger grades and better organoleptic qualities. We are currently working with 4-5 chains and so far they seem to appreciate the product."
According to the marketing manager, the objective is to work slowly to increase volumes and keep quality under control. "We need people to perceive blood oranges as a distinctive product."
Distretto Agrumi Sicilia is currently working with a number of Sicilian companies to reach this objective, also thanks to their taking part in "Interfood 2014" (18th-21st March 2014), which will be held in St. Petersburg.
Enzo Leonardo, sales manager of OP Red Co.P, adds that "we are exporting a little to Russia, but the market is quite difficult because the produce is appreciated but prices are still low. Tarocco, Moro and Sanguinello are the most popular varieties, but Russians tend to buy their supplies from the wholesale markets of Verona or Padua where prices are lower and it is difficult to get into direct contact with retailers because distribution is not yet centralised."
Salvo Laudani, marketing manager of Oranfrizer, explains that "Sicilian blood oranges have been available in Russia for a few years, but they usually come from some markets in Northern Italy. This year, we have started dealing with some retailers to supply them with superior quality products with bigger grades and better organoleptic qualities. We are currently working with 4-5 chains and so far they seem to appreciate the product."
According to the marketing manager, the objective is to work slowly to increase volumes and keep quality under control. "We need people to perceive blood oranges as a distinctive product."