Consorzio di Produttori di Limoni Associati has launched a new packaging solution for the Italian and foreign big retail chains, designed specifically to promote smaller-sized lemons which would otherwise not be fully appreciated by the fresh market.
"Rather than using classic nets, we decided to develop a new Limonello-branded box, complete with texts in two languages and information on processing methods," reports President Pietro Buongiorno. "The packaging was designed over a long period of time and can hold between 9 and 12 fruits with a total weight of 1.5 kg. As for medium grades, it holds 6 to 7 fruits, for a weight of 1,250 g. We have labeled the boxes 'Small and juicy', to emphasize two characteristics that often do not match. In fact, despite the small size, the produce remains of excellent quality with edible peel, limonene content exceeding 75% and juice yields exceeding 40%."
The first samples sent to the various chains have already aroused considerable interest, so much so that operators have started planning their first supplies right away. "We are registering the first satisfactory commercial feedback from several supermarket chains. We are enthusiastic and convinced that the Limonello box will do well in the current season, which has been marked by a drought that has contributed to the small size of the usually larger fruits."
Limoré has been selected by the Bestack consortium as one of the 30 best innovative packaging solutions of 2024. "Although we are a small business, we manage to compete even with companies much larger than us," adds the manager. "The key to our success lies in the people, men and women, collaborators and partners, who carry out their work with passion and sacrifice day after day. Thanks to the partnerships with OP Ortofrutticola Jonica and the Terre Dello Jonio cooperative, this year we are counting on exporting 80% of our production to European countries and overseas, markets that have been very receptive to Limorè-branded lemons right from the start. More specifically, we have already been present in some non-EU markets for some years, including Australia, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Japan. Ours is an entrepreneurial and branding project, started about 6 years ago, which is enjoying unstoppable success everywhere, with buyers asking us for supplies as soon as they taste our product."
For more information:
Consorzio Produttori di Limoni Associati
Headquarters, Contrada Mantice snc
87074 Rocca Imperiale (CS) - Italy
+39 349 4694903
[email protected]
www.limore.it