The first Orri mandarins are already being harvested in the earliest areas of Andalusia, marking the start of the 2023/2024 campaign. For this season, the Orri Running Committee expects a 30 percent increase in the production compared to the previous campaign. According to the latest estimates, the Orri production could reach its peak this season, with a similar yield to that achieved in the 2021-22 campaign.
The second part of the citrus season is thus starting in Spain, where, in general, medium sizes are expected to predominate for most varieties. "Fortunately, this won't apply as much to the Orri variety, which can continue to grow for as long as it is left on the tree. We are seeing good quality and sizes in general," says Guillermo Soler, manager of the ORC.
The acreage of some protected varieties for the second part of the season has expanded and their production is increasing, putting pressure on prices in the mandarin market. However, the Orri has adhered to the limit of 1,300,000 plants since it was first introduced in Spain. "We will continue working to ensure producers get the best possible returns, and for this reason, we are proud to see how, year after year, the Orri mandarin remains the best valued at origin," he says.
Its consumption in the Spanish market also continues to grow. "We will continue to focus on all links in the supply chain by carrying out attractive promotional initiatives, in line with those of previous campaigns, which have been yielding very good results. The aim is to boost the presence of Orri mandarins in all points of sale, both supermarkets and small retailers," says Guillermo Soler.
"The excellent shelf life of Orri mandarins allows them to remain available for sale from January to June, the longest campaign in the market, and with fruit of exceptional quality," says Soler. "We are planning to strengthen our communication, pursuing consumer demand to remain stable and at the highest levels during the six months that the campaign can last."
"Its unique flavor and unmistakable texture are allowing the variety to attract loyal customers in all links of the value chain, as demonstrated by satisfaction surveys conducted both with consumers and sector professionals, or at specialized events, like Fruit Attraction," he says.
New WatchLABEL platform to reduce paper
Spanish Orri producers have achieved a high degree of specialization, according to Guillermo Soler. "The careful selection of climatic zones, soils and patterns, together with advanced cultivation techniques, make the Spanish Orri an attractive, local option, with a reduced carbon footprint for European consumers concerned about sustainability."
For the 2023-24 campaign, the ORC has implemented a new identification management system through the WatchLABEL platform. "This is a sustainable digitalization process that shows our commitment to the environment and aims to reduce the use of limited resources by gradually transitioning from paper to online formats," says Soler.
While this digitalization process is being implemented, the ORC is also updating the Orri variety management systems to make them safer, simpler, and more accessible for both sub-licensees and authorized labelers.
With this new system, each user (producers, labelers, etc.) has unique and coded web access, allowing producers to manage and labelers to consult in real time the progress of fruit identification.
The new system still allows various labeling options to ensure the producer has all the freedom needed to market Orri mandarins through the channel of their choice.
This also improves the visibility of Orri mandarins and guarantees the traceability of the product at all links in the value chain in a simple way. Simply by scanning the QR code included on the exclusive identification labels of the Orri mandarin with any mobile device, you can access all the traceability information and the product's legal origin guarantee.
For more information:
Orri Running Committee
www.orcspain.es