The Peruvian citrus industry has announced it is expanding its Quality Seal scheme to include several new varieties this season, following a successful pilot project on during 2014.
The Peruvian Citrus Growers Association (ProCitrus) set up the Quality Seal to protect the reputation of Peru as an exporter of top quality citrus fruit. The organisation trialled the initiative last year with six exporters of Minneolas who between them represent 73 per cent of the exports of this variety.
Following positive feedback on the seal from the supply chain, ProCitrus will now roll it out across other key Peruvian varieties, including Nadorcott.
The Quality Seal indicates Peruvian citrus which, in addition to complying with certifications including GlobalGAP, USGAP, Tesco Nature’s Choice, BRC, SQF2000 HACCP and ETI, guarantees the overall quality of the fruit. Companies qualifying for the seal will be able to carry the Peru Citrus “Quality certified for export” logo on their packaging.
Sergio del Castillo, general manager of ProCitrus said: “After a positive pilot last season we are delighted and extremely proud to be expanding the Peru Citrus Quality Seal to cover our main varieties.Peruvian citrus has gained an international standing for its great taste and exceptional quality and the seal will help us protect this, for the benefit of growers, importers, supermarkets, and, ultimately, consumers.”
