The Sicilian late tangerine campaign began around 20 January. Quality is satisfactory thanks to the draining soils of the Paternò (CT) area, where the effect of the recent flooding has not been felt because the excess water has been disposed of by the soil.
Carmelo Frisenna
"The sizes of our tangerines are mainly medium, but there is a good presence of larger ones," explains Carmelo Frisenna, sales manager of Uniterra- Arancia Loretta, "so much so that the producer price for the prime product is considered satisfactory at around €0.70-0.80/kg. In our production area, the rocky soil has allowed excess rainwater to drain away warding off diseases, and has resulted in a good merchandising value for our tangerines."
Tarocco oranges
Tarocco: a regular excellent-quality production
"The situation was a little different with regard to the first phase of orange harvesting at the beginning of the season because the strong winds and stormy weather caused the fruit to drop. Now that this has passed, production is regular, even if we do have smaller sizes in some plots that were less irrigated in the summer, while sizes in other production sites are in line with standards."
A snow-capped Mount Etna partly covered by clouds can be seen in the background
"We have now entered the late phase of the pigmented product. Production is very good and of excellent quality, with varieties of Tarocco Lempso, Gallo and Scirè. Later, in about 15 days, we will harvest oranges of the Tarocco Meli variety and then Sant'Alfio, to finish with the red ones at the end of May. Everything, of course, depends on weather conditions and product demand."
Loretta tangerines
"In the meantime, we have also started with the late blondes and are harvesting the Lane Late variety. From March until late July, it will be the turn of the Valencias. After an uncertain beginning of the season, the market has now crystallized - demand is good and also coming from abroad, where we hope to establish ourselves more and more. Our expertise in complying with the quality standards, timing, and protocols of the big retail trade, both national and European, puts us in an increasingly competitive position."
For more information:
Carmelo Frisenna - Sales Manager
Uniterra Sicilia Group Srl
Arancia Loretta
+39 348 1329705