was established with the main following objectives: • fighting against unfair competition and protect products against misuse. • providing customers with information about the origin and the quality of products • preserving and promoting national and regional heritage through better knowledge of the terroir and the know-how of the producers. As a matter of fact, operators consider the PGI label as an asset to reconquer the European market with a focus on those of high-end products demand. They are also aware of the need to extend the collective approach to marketing and develop the marketing strategy of the region’s flagship product.
Production and packaging
The annual citrus production in the region averages 220,000 tones, almost 60% of which are seedless clementines.
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Production and quality are in constant progress, thanks to the modernization of farming techniques, the know-how of farmers and the rejuvenation of the orchards. On the technical level, producers are provided with guidance by engineers and technicians who advise farmers on good practices in citrus cultivation which optimizes orchards performance. In this context, it should be noted that exporters have established strict quality control policies and imposed drastic compliance with export standards on farmers, which resulted in significant quality improvement. Moreover, professionals will establish an inter-professional citrus research and development center aimed at improve transfer of technological knowledge and innovation with regional branches. The center will carry out research programs addressing producer’s major concerns, particularly in terms of varietal behavior, rootstocks, orchards management and production factors rationalization.
Harvested between early October and early January, clementines of Berkane are processed in 16 packing stations with a total capacity of 105,000 t/ year. Almost all of these stations are equipped with refrigeration units and designed primarily for degreening and storage. To meet all HACCP quality requirements in packing stations, considerable efforts have been deployed to modernize facilities and upgrade infrastructure. Most of these stations also achieved several certifications that allow them to export to the most demanding international markets. As far as employment is concerned, clementines play an important socioeconomic role. As a matter of fact, orchards provide some 1.6 million workdays, while packing stations ensure about 400,000. As for annual gross revenues, they can easily reach more than 550 million DH, contributing in foreign currency inflow and creating a real momentum in the region for agricultural inputs and products marketing.
antari Group (GKB) is one of the leaders in the field of fruit and vegetables export. Created 50 years ago, the Group now has 4,600 hectares of orchards and10 packing stations and accounts for over 80% of citrus fruits exports in the region. Since its establishment, the Kantari Group mobilizes all necessary resources to ensure high quality products for costumers. Thus, all operations of the Group meet Good Agricultural Practices standards (GLOBALGAP) and its packing stations are HACCP and / or BRC certified. Moreover, the Group has set up control systems certified by external bodies in order to guarantee the quality and safety of its products. It is worth noting in this regard that the Group received numerous national and international awards for its quality policy. Recently, the Group has undertaken a products diversification policy to ensure to its customers a wide range of fruits and vegetables and guarantee regular supply. The main export markets of the group are: the EU, Russia, Canada, the USA, the Middle East, Scandinavia and Africa. In these markets, the Group’s clementines are marketed under various recognized brands, including: Berkane Premium, Berkane Kids, La Perle de Berkane, Fresh, Gold, Latchyna, Sol, Victoria, Gloria Kids, Kelma Kids. Kantari Group chairs the Berkane climentine Protected Geographical Indication Association.
Agriculture du Magherb / Fruit Logistica 2017 P. 18