The citrus fruit season is now over and, for what concerns oranges, it has been rather satisfactory for producers. The fruit was generally sold without too many problems, also because volumes were 40% lower and quality was rather good.
We contacted Pietro Russo, one of the leading orange producers and part of a family that has been exporting Sicilian citrus fruit for generations.
"This year, the domestic market absorbed our product without problems and has been lively also with the last late varieties. The foreign market was good as well, accepting the higher prices. This campaign is among the most interesting we have ever seen."
Lemon market similar to orange one
"The same goes for the lemon sector, as prices were high and consumers showed a lot of interest for the Sicilian products."
European retailers are increasingly interested in the organic production, as consumption grows year after year.
Excellent blossoming for the next campaign
Things are looking good for the next season too - blossoming is good and, provided that there are no weather damages, production will be abundant.
"Nonetheless, some volumes will be short due to the many trees affected by the Citrus Tristeza Virus. Some orchards are also dying out because they are old and need to be renewed."
"Anyway we can say we are positive about the future, because we see there is interest for the Sicilian production in general as well as for the new pigmented varieties selected."