Argentina’s group of lemon suppliers working under the All Lemon Tested & Certified for Export scheme has achieved a further improvement in its quality standard compared with last season.
“This season, the quality standard of our lemons grew by 25 per cent vis-à-vis 2010, which resulted in lemons with improved fruit quality and a more refined and homogeneous aesthetic,” the group explained in a press release.
“During this cycle, more than 6,000 cartons and 24 packing lines of each member company were inspected on a daily basis, to ensure compliance with the key qualities that enhance and differentiate our lemons – rich juice content, firmness, freshness,durability, traceability and safety, balanced colour, unblemished peel conditions and uniform shape”, said Daniel Lucci, director at Citrusvil.
As a result of this momentum, All Lemon-branded fruit reached new destinations this year, especially in Asian markets such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, as well as the Middle East – destinations which the group claims provide extraordinary opportunities for exports bearing the All Lemon seal of quality.
“All Lemon is committed to continue tapping into new destinations,” added Carlos Bertolotti, sales manager at Citromax.
“We are aware of the needs prevailing in highly demanding markets such as Asian countries, and this year, as a result of the efforts committed to improve quality, the seal has become a strong endorsement across the region.”
All Lemon’s exports this year grew four times more than in 2010, according to Bertolotti, exceeding by 60 per cent the record volume reached in 2008.
The upturn was achieved despite a frost – a common occurrence in Argentina during July and August – thanks to a specific prevention programme executed by All Lemon members and inspectors.
To continue its positive marketing progress, All Lemon has a strong presence this week at Asia Fruit Logistica 2011 in Hong Kong, and plans further participation at World Food Moscow 2011 on 13-16 September.
