While Moroccan clementines are very popular on the Scandinavian market, the Spanish produce is even more popular in all other destinations. This is what emerged during an assembly of the Comité de Liaison de l'Agrumiculture Méditerranénne – C.L.A.M. Spanish clementines retain the absolute dominion in all European markets.
Over the years, the production of small citrus fruit has increased in China as well, which has now reached 19.3 million tons - an extraordinary amount, far exceeding that produced by the EU (3.3 million tons), Morocco (1.3 million tons) and Turkey (a little over one million tons).
Easy peelers destined to industrial processing were 1.4 million tons in 2016/17 and came mostly from China (610,000 tons), the European Union (328,000 tons)and the US (160,000 tons).
Over the same period, clementine and tangerine exports reached 2.3 million tons, mainly shipped from China, Turkey and Morocco. The main importers (2.1 million tons) were Russia, the EU and the US.
Small citrus fruit production in Italy
Istat estimated that, in 2016, the production of clementines in Italy increased to over 710 thousand tons, while that of tangerines reached over 140 thousand tons.
Clementines are cultivated mainly in Calabria, especially in the Sibari plain. Puglia, Sicily and Sardinia follow.
Small citrus fruit production in Italy
Istat estimated that, in 2016, the production of clementines in Italy increased to over 710 thousand tons, while that of tangerines reached over 140 thousand tons.
Clementines are cultivated mainly in Calabria, especially in the Sibari plain. Puglia, Sicily and Sardinia follow.
Quality is excellent, definitely better than during previous campaigns as there was no fungal damage. In January, however, the frost and temperatures dropped to -6°C damaged the trees. Forecasts for the next campaign are anyway positive.
Clementine comune is the most popular variety in Calabria and is protected by the PGI mark.
Italian clementine exports are currently facing a few difficulties due to the Russian ban, which is causing a fiercer competition on the European market.
There are also Ciaculli tangerines, which become available in March, i.e. later than other similar citrus fruit.
New varieties
Varietal innovation has the purpose of widening the commercialisation window and improve genetic composition to produce seedless fruits that are easy to peel.
CREA di Acireale, Istituto Valenciano di Ricerca Agraria (I.V.I.A) and the Volcani Center in Israel are working hard to achieve this. CREA studies led to the creation of late red "Mandared" tangerines, which are quite popular on the British and French markets.
In addition, CREA introduced triploide hybrid "Mandalate" (obtained by crossing the "Fortune" and "Avana" varieties) characterised by a distinct aroma and flavour. It is now being cultivated both in Sicily and Basilicata.
The "Nova" hybrid, obtained by crossing Clementino comune with Tangelo, is rather popular in Spain. The country has also developed the "Orri" and "Afourer" genotypes to extend the production calendar until March.
Feedback was great for the "Minneola" variety as well - a hybrid obtained by crossing Tangerne and grapefruit grown mainly in Israel and Turkey.
We hope the initiatives promoted by the scientific community to improve the quality of citrus fruit will be supported by suitable public and private funding so as to stimulate their development to the benefit of consumers.
We hope the initiatives promoted by the scientific community to improve the quality of citrus fruit will be supported by suitable public and private funding so as to stimulate their development to the benefit of consumers.