Originally from Sicily, Tarocco Ippolito has also recently been grown in Australia. At Rungis, Banagrumes has chosen to integrate this new import in order to complement that from the northern hemisphere, which will be available from January.
© BanagrumesLouis Alarcón and Nordin Filire from Banagrumes with Tarocco Ippolito from Australia
"There is nothing like it at this time of year"
The Tarocco Ippolito is a little novelty from Australia at the Rungis market. "We received our first test container last week, and it is the only blood orange available on the market at the moment," explains Alain Alarcón, president of Banagrumes. A recent variety of Sicilian origin, Tarocco Ippolito, has been grown in Australia for a number of years, where growers wanted to expand their range of pigmented citrus fruits. Introduced to the European market two years ago, this variety has a larger size, a slightly thicker skin than its Italian cousin, few seeds, and excellent juiciness. "It is a very high-quality product with good firmness. There is nothing like it at this time of year!"
© Banagrumes
"We are the only ones in France to offer this product"
© Banagrumes
"There are very few of us in the Australian import market, which gives us a definite competitive advantage. The product is available exclusively for the French market from BG Import, a branch of Banagrumes. The initial response has been promising. "We started marketing last week, and our retail and wholesale clients are delighted. Although the campaign would normally run for two months, in October and November, the limited volumes could shorten this year's campaign slightly.
Australian Tarocco Ippolito is still a niche product with a relatively high price positioning, but it could become more democratic as volumes increase. "The growth potential is real, and volumes are set to increase over the next few years," explains Alain Alarcón.
For more information:
Alain Alarcon
Banagrumes
Phone: +33 (0)1 45 12 28 40
[email protected]
www.banagrumes.com
