Sicilian blood oranges: Meli variety harvested until May

"The Sicilian blood orange campaign is coming to an end, but well-organized companies like ours can expect to harvest the Tarocco Meli variety for another 40 days or so," says Carmelo Frisenna, Sales Manager of Uniterra Sicilia Group S.r.l. Arancia Loretta, speaking of his company's commercial strength with this variety, considered the pinnacle of late pigmented oranges.

© Gaetano Piccione | FreshPlaza.comCarmelo Frisenna

"Despite some damage caused by the weather conditions, we are preparing to close a blood orange campaign that we cannot complain about," says Frisenna. In the meantime, production in the field has stabilized, allowing us to put the challenges posed by the weather behind us. The producer price for Tarocco Meli is now between €1.00 and €1.30 per kg, which has successfully made up for the initial shortfall at the beginning of the season. The transactions in the field are almost finished. We will have this product until the beginning of May, despite an acceleration in orders from all over Italy."

"Experts in the sector are well aware that this type of orange can only be grown in the Etna area, and more specifically, in the protected geographical indication area," Frisenna continues. "There is no added value a producer could wish for, nor is there a better orange for consumers to buy. We have no competition in this segment, neither nationally nor internationally."

The blonde orange campaign continues
At the same time, our blonde orange campaign continues," Frisenna explains, "with the medium-late and late varieties. It will end in midsummer, in July. At the moment, production prices are reasonable, between €0.60 and €0.65 per kilo. The 2024/25 is certainly an unusual season, but in recent weeks, it has been more satisfactory, both in terms of production and marketing."

"Agriculture is full of surprises. We often don't know what will happen at the beginning of a campaign, let alone at the end," he concludes. "It's crucial to stay optimistic and not be deterred by initial challenges. The answers will come, whether from large retailers or wholesalers. What matters is being prepared. Our products' unparalleled quality is what sets us apart, and it's also what our customers appreciate most."

For more information:
Carmelo Frisenna - Sales Manager
Uniterra Sicilia Group Srl
Loretta Orange
+39 348 1329705