"The extremely adverse weather conditions have severely tested the production capacity of companies in many Sicilian citrus growing areas," said Giovanni D'Agati, president of the 'Il Tardivo di Ciaculli' consortium (Ciaculli Late Season Mandarin). "In addition to a severe summer drought, our area has suffered a wave of hailstorms that have limited production, especially during Christmas."
"In these conditions, the planning, which is fundamental for us in view of our relations with large organized distribution companies, becomes a real challenge. Despite the difficulties, our passion and the professionalism of our staff have allowed us to overcome the difficult moment very well, allowing us to offer our customers a production that is always of the highest quality," continues D'Agati.
"To date, 3,000 tons of Avana di Ciaculli and Tardivo di Ciaculli mandarins have been ordered and delivered. The consortium expects to process a total of about 3,500 tons, with a quota of 25% for the industrial system, which appreciates the Tardivo di Ciaculli mandarin both for the exceptional quality of its essential oil and for its unique juice, flavor, and aroma. As I always say, a mandarin is born a mandarin. Everything else is what becomes of it."
"At the moment, the campaign is in full swing and the last harvests are expected to be completed by the first week of April, weather permitting. We consider ourselves blessed this year, despite the challenges. We have been a direct supplier to the major organized distribution chains for over 20 years," D'Agati points out. "A key element of our success is the relationship of trust and cooperation we have built. When distribution succeeds in building loyalty not only with customers but also with producers, it creates a solid win-win relationship."
"A solid relationship with large retailers ensures stability, continuity of production, and economic security, which are essential elements for the development of a company, especially in a delicate sector such as fruit and vegetables," says the president of the consortium. "It is essential that the price of a product reflects the commitment and attention given to its production. You cannot strive for quality by constantly trying to reduce costs."
"How long can we survive if the climate is not in our favor? I don't know," admits D'Agati. "On February 25, the citrus trees were already in bloom, a phenomenon that should have happened in April. In addition to the environment, it is also very important that the big retailers give preference to local products. At the moment there are too many foreign products on the shelves. They come from Israel, Spain, and South Africa. Can we not guarantee high-quality standards? It is not a question of waging war on foreign products, but of rediscovering the importance of local, seasonal fruit."
Article photos provided by Giovanni D'Agati
For more information:
Consorzio 'Il Tardivo di Ciaculli'
www.tardivodiciaculli.net