Groups say the introduction of Havva and Sigal marks the next chapter of the Volcani Project and extends the Orri mandarin campaign
Genesis Fresh and The Enforcement Organisation (TEO) have officially unveiled Havva and Sigal, two new premium mandarin varieties originating from the same breeding programme that developed the Orri variety.
The unveiling event was held as part of the Volcani Project, a pioneering initiative to build a strong community of citrus growers seeking to extend and complement the Orri mandarin campaign with a ”unique, exclusive collection” of new varieties developed by the Volcani Institute.
Participating growers will benefit from preferential access conditions, Genesis Fresh noted.
“Orri is without question the benchmark variety, year after year achieving record field prices and leading the market,” said David Alba, CEO of Genesis Fresh.
”After decades of intensive research aimed at extending its campaign with new, high-quality mandarins, we are thrilled by the exceptional reception Havva, Sigal, and the broader Volcani Project have received in Spain.”
Complex challenges
The citrus sector is facing increasingly complex challenges, Genesis Fresh outlined, from growing competition with third-country producers and the rise of alternative fruits, to mounting pressures on grower profitability.
These pressures are compounded by climate change, which affects both the quality and consistency of yields, and by increasing pest threats, in a context where fewer active substances are authorised for crop protection.
Until now, the transition between Southern Hemisphere premium mandarins and Northern Hemisphere varieties had depended primarily on traditional cultivars such as Clemenules and Clemenvilla.
Despite their wide distribution, these varieties are now showing ”critical limitations”, it explained, creating serious concerns across the supply chain.
”This has led to a rise in consumer complaints, with shoppers seeking higher quality, easier-to-eat fruits with better shelf-life,” the company said.
“Retailers have long demanded a varietal shift that guarantees a consistent, attractive, longer-lasting product that remains profitable throughout the mid-season period.”
Havva and Sigal arrive at this strategic moment in the Spanish citrus calendar, it confirmed, ensuring a smooth transition between the end of the Southern Hemisphere premium mandarin supply and the start of the Orri season in Spain.
New varieties in focus
Havva, harvested from mid-November to mid-January, stands out for its ”high annual productivity, vibrant colour, durable skin, and easy peeling”.
”Its fruit is firm and uniform, virtually seedless, and offers an optimal balance of sweetness and acidity, Genesis Fresh pointed out. “It also boasts genetic resistance to Alternaria.”
Sigal, harvested from mid-December to mid-February, features ”uniform sizing, a rich reddish-orange colour that requires no degreening, and an outstanding flavour profile”.
”With high juice content and a unique texture – both crisp and melting – it stands apart in the market,” the group commented.
Like Havva, it is easy to peel, virtually seedless, and genetically resistant to Alternaria, providing a natural solution to one of the key challenges facing other varieties in the window and delivering “significant savings to growers”.
“Both varieties meet the growing demand for premium mandarins with excellent quality, shelf-life, and ease of consumption,” said Alba.
”Growers need reliable, profitable alternatives that solve the well-known challenges of mid-season production.
Havva and Sigal have been rigorously tested over several years in diverse international growing conditions and have proven to be highly attractive both in the field and at retail.”
Strategic plan
In its initial phase, the project foresees the planting of 1,500ha of Havva and 1,000ha of Sigal in Spain, providing licensed growers with a ”high degree of exclusivity and differentiation”.
A dedicated labelling system will also be available to current Orri label users, among others, to ensure clear market differentiation and certify the legitimate origin of the fruit.
The project follows the same model used for Orri management and, in collaboration with TEO, will ensure ”strict oversight from farm to shelf” alongside effective promotional efforts to position the varieties in key premium markets, Genesis Fresh said.
In the specific case of Sigal, as announced at the official launch, a voluntary regularisation period for unauthorised plantings is open until 1 May 2025.
After this deadline, no further campaigns will be conducted to regularise unlicensed plantations, and legal actions will be initiated against any unauthorised exploitation of the variety, which will constitute a violation of breeder rights and represent unfair competition to licensed growers.
