After a decade of research and trials, ANECOOP will begin marketing its latest clementine variety next month. The new clementine, called the Clemenson, will arrive in Europe to fill early-season demand for citrus. “The Clemenson is a premium product that will come in earlier than other varieties,” said J. Ignacio Juarez of ANECOOP in Spain. “It will also have better quality and size than other varieties, and it has a very good internal quality that makes for good eating.” It's similar to the Clemenruby in that it's an easy-peeler with very few seeds, practically seedless. But, instead of being flat like other clementines, it has more of a round shape and has a reddish hue when mature.
“It's very aromatic and has the characteristic scent of a clementine,” said Juarez. “It has a good balance of sugar and acid.” Despite characteristics that set it apart, Juarez stressed that the main advantage that the Clemenson affords is the ability to market a clementine much earlier in the season.
“It's a real clementine with the taste of a clementine,” said Juarez. “We're aware the clementine is very well-appreciated, but the season for the fruit is relatively short, and we're trying to extend that season.” The fruit will reach retailers in the U.K., France, Belgium and Norway late this month or early in October. Production will continue through October and is expected to reach between 2,500 tons and 3,000 tons. While the marketing window for the new variety will only be about a month, it should be a lucrative month of sales based on the quality of the fruit and the opportune time in the market when there is a dearth of product available.
“It will be important to keep a good balance between marketing and production so that we don't flood the market and so we can get attractive prices for retailers and wholesalers,” said Juarez. “We've been working on this for a long time, and in 10 years we expect to have annual production of between 10,000 tons and 20,000 tons.”
For more information:
J. Ignacio Juárez (Nacho)
ANECOOP S.Coop- Dept. Comercial.
Tel. +34963938500
Cell.+34619412923
Fax +34963938541
E-mail: njuarez@anecoop.com
Web: www.anecoop.com