Les Domaines, a prominent Moroccan producer, unveiled its latest mandarin variety, 'SweetCott,' at an event coinciding with the Fruit Logistica trade fair. The event, held on February 8th in Berlin, drew international attention from agribusiness stakeholders and the global press. Kenza Ouali, Les Domaines' Marketing Director, emphasized, "The launch of SweetCott marks the culmination of over a decade of research and development, positioned to redefine the citrus landscape in Morocco and beyond."
Building on past success
Referencing "the success of its predecessor, Nadorcott," Les Domaines envisions a similar trajectory for SweetCott. Badr Bennis, CEO of Les Domaines Export, says, "SweetCott promises even greater potential with its compelling attributes for growers, retailers, and consumers."
Extending the citrus season
SweetCott extends the citrus season until May, according to Mohamed Marzak, Les Domaines Arboriculture Business Unit Director. He explains, "The fruit is solid and remains firmly attached to the tree as late as April. That said, it also allows an early start to production and delivers a high yield, up to 25-30 tons in trees less than 3 years old, and up to 40-50 tonnes in older trees, as well as a better return for growers. These figures are backed by more than 5 years of trials and data collection supervised by Dr. Zemzami, Variety Developer and Dr. Karimi R&D Manager."
"SweetCott offers an extended shelf life, both on the trees and in cold storage, remaining available three weeks later than Nadorcott, adds Amine Mamou Les Domaines Export's Deputy CEO. He anticipates "enthusiastic reception from retailers, projecting SweetCott to command premium prices due to its high perceived value and availability in substantial volumes."
"With a remarkable 14% to 16% brix and vibrant orange color, SweetCott promises an unparalleled taste experience," adds Amine Mamou, highlighting its "exceptional juice consistency, minimal seeds, and supreme flavor, destined to captivate consumers' palates."
Market launch in 2024
The production of SweetCott has already been launched by Les Domaines on a commercial test scale. Badr Bennis stated, "The variety will be licensed starting next season in Morocco, as well as in the main citrus-producing countries in the Southern Hemisphere and the United States. We will proceed cautiously through the licensing process, as growing the variety requires a fair level of technical expertise. Therefore, it is too early to project volumes, as we await the selection of early adopters who will be licensed in 2025."
Les Domaines' delegation announcing "SweetCott" at Fruit Logistica
From left to right: Amine Mamou, Mohamed Marzak, Dr. Zemzami, Kenza Ouali, Badr Bennis
For more information:
Les Domaines Export
Europe: + 33 2 29 63 12 19
UK: + 44 1322 303 249
Middle East: +974 5013 4000
Other markets: +212 522 93 35 00
www.lesdomainesexport.com/en/