A disappointing campaign lasting only 45 days

"The Apulian clementine campaign was the worst in recent years, as it was extremely short and affected by unfavourable weather conditions that compromised fruit shelf life," reports Luciano Latorraca, owner of the Patemisco farm, which specialises in the production and processing of Navel-type clementines and blond oranges.

The campaign lasted only 45 days, namely from 11 December 2024 to 25 January 2025. "As far as my farm is concerned, crop damage led to the loss of 150 tonnes of fruit. We left them on the trees, as not even the processing industry wanted them because of a surplus of produce in the cold storage units."

"We employ all citrus fruits, also in processed form through a careful, artisanal process. From small fruits or those with slight surface imperfections, we obtain a unique marmalade available in 270 g jars, and natural clementine and blond orange juice. Marmalade is processed under a vacuum in order to preserve the aromas and properties of the raw material. We use only essential ingredients - lemons and a minimal amount of sugar - enriched with very thin-cut peel that gives the product an unmistakable aroma and taste."

Both the production destined to the fresh market and that in processed form are marketed under the Patemisco brand. As of 2023, the fruit boasts the 'Clementine del Golfo di Taranto' PGI mark, reserved for clementines from the C. clementine Hort. ex Tanaka species produced in the municipalities of Palagiano, Massafra, Ginosa, Castellaneta, Palagianello, Taranto, and Statte, in the province of Taranto.

"The agricultural sector is experiencing a very complex situation characterised by climate change, as well as by the difficulty in finding hauliers and a shortage of labour. As mentioned earlier, the 'Common' clementine campaign in Puglia was very disappointing, with prices hitting historic lows. The fruit also did not withstand the stress caused by alternating drought, humidity, and rain. That is why I am considering reducing the cultivated areas and setting up a grove of blond oranges, as the shelf life of oranges and their cultivation management are less complex compared to clementines, which are notoriously considered a very delicate citrus fruit."

Patemisco's reference sales channels are the general markets throughout Italy for fresh products and specialised shops, bars and restaurants for the processed products. Online sales have grown steadily since the pandemic in 2020.

For more information:
Azienda Agricola Patemisco
Luciano Latorraca
Municipal Road, 48
74016 Massafra (TA) - Italy
+39 099 8855964
+39 333 7670020
info@patemisco.it
www.patemisco.it