The Olympic Games of citrus fruits

With winter and the festive season approaching, shop shelves are filling up with mandarins. Consumers love the convenience and popularity of these citrus fruits. This is partly due to their attractive colour, skin, delicious taste, high juice content and the fact that they are seedless and easy to peel.

During these months, consumers expect great taste, with a good balance between sugar and acidity. A good eating experience stimulates sales. Price is much less important. Good-tasting mandarins lead to repeat purchases and increase consumption.

Differences in sugar content and acidity

While sugar levels in mandarins vary considerably throughout the year (roughly between 10 and 15 Brix), acidity fluctuates even more.

The fruits with the highest acidity have three times more acid than those with the lowest acidity. These differences in sugar content and acidity are naturally noticed by consumers.

The challenge in the “Olympic Games of Citrus” is to select the right varieties at the right time and to maintain a balance between sugar and acidity. In this way, smart producers and supermarket chains optimise taste and shelf life throughout the citrus season.

In some countries, such as the UK, Satsumas are popular. However, in Northern Europe, we see that Satsumas actually provide a lower taste experience because they are perceived as bland and soft. As a result, Satsumas are only available in the Netherlands for a few weeks, and Clementines are the driving force of the season with varieties such as Clemenules, Nour and Nadorcott. The introduction of new varieties will further segment the category, to the benefit of consumers.

Fine-tuning your citrus programmes

Our measurement programmes show which origins and varieties are best at each stage of the season. We also identify all kinds of quality aspects of mandarins, such as size, damage, dehydration and freshness. We also identify major quality differences between origins and varieties.

Our monitoring programmes provide insights into what consumers really like. We offer greater insight into and control over the citrus category, helping you, as a producer and retailer, to improve your category plans. This helps you to promote the right varieties at the right time for the best taste and quality.

Need help?

We are happy to help you fine-tune your citrus programmes so that you can offer consumers the “Best in Fresh”. Please contact us.

Auteur: Karin Gorree

Director Quality & Business Development