"The 'Limone dell'Etna IGP' campaign is slow and is facing great difficulties: prices are low also due to the produce coming in from abroad at prices that do not even cover production costs," reports Francesco Leotta, president of the Etna's business network.
"We are currently dealing with the last part of the Primofiore commercialization campaign, which we expect to end in a few weeks' time. Then we will start harvesting spring lemons, known as Bianchetto. These are a typically summer product which, together with summer Verdello, constitutes one of our most prestigious harvests. Organic productions are appreciated mainly abroad due to the presence of consumers particularly attentive to health and sustainability."
The Etna's business network is made up of companies boasting an ancient tradition and specializing in citrus fruit cultivation that have decided to join forces to offer consumers a product available during a wide calendar and with the aim of internationalization. The objectives of the network include the strengthening of the cooperation between members, the improvement of the network and the commercialization of the produce without overlooking the potential and opportunities provided by the processing industry.
"Trees are in bloom: it is possible to observe the three blossomings that characterize the species. That is why the three fruits (Primofiore, Bianchetto and Verdello) coexist on the trees and grow at the same time. The peculiarity of this citrus fruit is in fact its constant production, so much so that it is the only lemon available in the summer, a period when traditional lemons are lacking in Italy."
In 2020, the European Union entered "Limone dell'Etna IGP" into the register of protected geographical indications. The organoleptic qualities of the fruit are heavily influenced by the proximity to the Ionian sea and Mount Etna. Thanks to the favorable temperatures, over the centuries lemon cultivation spread along the coastal area and on the hills between the Alcantara river to the north and the northern border of the Catania municipality to the south.
"Our products can be found in local retail chains and are very popular. Unfortunately prices are much lower than in previous years. Specifically, when it comes to the traditional and organic product, prices hover between €0.45 and €0.65/kg. We are a business network made up of lemon producers, so we guarantee traceability and, most of all, a competitive price, considering that there are no passages that cause prices to soar when they reach the shelves. We are also available to send samples to potential clients with a view to establishing commercial relations for wholesale supplies."
For further information:
Etna's Terra dei Limoni
Via Vallone snc
95024 Acireale (CT) - Italy
[email protected]
www.etnasterradeilimoni.it