CITR US RE PORT
Prospects for the 2025 Season
By Felice Chirico, CEO Agrumaria Reggina
A New Year
Citrus Report 2025 2
A New Year Challenges and Prospects
Dear readers,
We are pleased to present the fifth edition of our annual report on the Italian citrus industry, focusing on the 2024/2025 season. This year’s publication explores a sector navigating both opportunities and challenges, where climate variability and extreme weather continue to shape the landscape of citrus production. These conditions emphasize the growing need for sustainable approaches that can support both agricultural practices and the environment.
At Agrumaria Reggina, we see sustainability not just as an objective but as a guiding principle for the entire supply chain. By encouraging eco-conscious farming techniques, reducing environmental impact, and prioritizing innovation, we aim to strengthen the citrus industry while preserving the natural resources it depends on.
This report offers a comprehensive analysis of the Italian citrus season, highlighting production volumes, regional trends, and forecasts for the months ahead. Additionally, Dr. Agronomist Salvatore Lauria provides an expert analysis of phytosanitary challenges, offering valuable insights into strategies for protecting crops from diseases and pests. Together, these elements paint a detailed picture of the opportunities and challenges facing the citrus industry today.
Equally important are the stories of the farmers who cultivate these fruits with dedication and care. In this edition, we highlight their experiences, capturing their passion and the unique challenges they face in adapting to an ever-changing environment.
These narratives provide a deeper understanding of the human effort behind every harvest and inspire us to continue supporting the backbone of the citrus industry.
In this edition, we have expanded our scope to include a special feature dedicated to Egypt’s orange production, a growing contributor to the global citrus market. This decision is marked by our recent investment in a new production facility in Egypt.
We would like to thank everyone involved in creating this report: from the farmers who shared their stories to the professionals and partners who contributed their knowledge. It is through this collective effort that we can address the complexities of the citrus sector and work towards a more sustainable future.
We invite you to explore this year’s report and join us in celebrating the innovation, determination, and collaboration that drive Italian citrus production forward. Together, we can rise to the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead.
The Citrus Fruit Season
Citrus Report 2025 4
The Citrus Fruit Season: Data, Analyses and Prospects
This section of the report delves into a detailed statistical analysis of the Italian citrus sector, based on comprehensive data sourced from ISTAT, the Italian National Institute of Statistics. Specifically, the data were extracted from the "Woody Fruit Crops" section of the database, providing a robust foundation for understanding recent trends and projections.
The analysis focuses on the citrus production data from the past two seasons, offering insights into key variations and trends. Additionally, we present an in-depth review of the 2023/2024 data and provide a forward-looking forecast for the 2024/2025 season, helping stakeholders anticipate future developments in the industry.
Key aspects examined in this analysis include changes in cultivated area and the proportion of citrus fruits utilized for industrial processing.
By highlighting these critical metrics, we aim to provide a clear and comprehensive overview of the factors shaping the citrus supply chain and the processing sector.
This statistical foundation not only illustrates the current state of the citrus industry but also serves as a guide for navigating the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Orange Tree Calabria
Citrus Production Overview
Source: ISTAT
The overall citrus production displays notable variability between 2021/2022 and 2023/2024. While some citrus experienced steady or slight growth, others showed significant decreases, reflecting the sector's sensitivity to climatic conditions and market dynamics.
The most striking trends are seen in the key citrus categories such as oranges, mandarins, clementines, lemons, and lime, which reveal varying degrees of fluctuation in production levels.
Blond Orange
Blond orange saw a slight increase in production from 2021/2022 to 2022/2023 but faced a reduction in 2023/2024, returning close to the levels of 2021/2022. This reveals relative stability in production with minor year-on-year variations.
Blood Orange
Blood orange saw a significant increase from 2021/2022 to 2022/2023, followed by a sharp decline in 2023/2024. The last production is considerably lower than in 2021/2022, highlighting potential challenges such as unfavorable weather or market shifts.
Mandarin
Mandarin production underwent a modest increase between 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 but dropped sharply in 2023/2024, reflecting a notable contraction in this category.
Clementine production showed consistent growth from 2021/2022 to 2022/2023, followed by a slight decline in 2023/2024. Despite this, their production remains relatively stable over the three years.
1,299,783 tons
467,664 tons -0.8% 2023 / 2024
139,602 tons -15% 2023 / 2024
662,978 tons -12.6% 2023 / 2024
Clementine -2.2% 2023 / 2024
Lemon production has seen a steady decline over the years, with a moderate decrease from 2021/2022 to 2022/2023 and a more significant drop in 2023/2024. This downward trend suggests growing challenges in this category.
Despite the small volume, lime production experienced a substantial increase from 2021/2022 to 2022/2023, followed by a slight decrease in 2023/2024. Despite the drop, production levels remain higher than in 2021/2022.
The data reveals a mix of stability and fluctuation across different citrus types, with blood oranges, mandarins, and lemons facing more pronounced declines in 2023/2024. These trends highlight the need for continuous adaptation to climatic, economic, and market challenges
On the other hand, clementines and blond oranges remain quite stable, while lime show promising growth despite minor setbacks.
Production of less prominent citrus fruits, such as grapefruit, bergamots, cedrats, chinotto, and other citrus varieties, remained relatively stable over the three years, with minor fluctuations.
Grapefruit production showed a modest but steady increase, reaching 5,600 tons in 2023/2024 (+2.5% compared to 2022/2023).
456,024 tons
-4.6% 2023 / 2024
636 tons
-3.6% 2023 / 2024
Bergamots production remained consistent at 27,000 tons across all three years, highlighting its importance as a niche crop.
Cedrats and chinotto production remained unchanged at 1,150 tons and 54 tons, respectively, demonstrating the stability of these specialty products.
Other citrus fruits experienced a slight decline in 2023/2024, with production decreasing to 6,087 tons (-7.5% compared to 2022/2023).
Despite these small variations, these niche citrus varieties continue to play a crucial role in diversifying the citrus supply chain
Agrumaria Reggina's Orange Processing in Italy Reggio Calabria
Analysis of Total Citrus Fruit Production
(2021/2022 - 2023/2024)
Year 2021 / 2022 2022 / 2023 2023 / 2024
Source: ISTAT
Total Production (ton) 3,153,607 3,216,666 3,066,578
The total citrus production experienced fluctuations over the three years. In 2021/2022, the production stood at 3,153,607 tons, followed by an increase in 2022/2023 to 3,216,666 tons (+2% compared to 2021/2022). However, 2023/2024 saw a noticeable decline, with production dropping to 3,066,578 tons (-4.7% compared to 2022/2023 and -2.8% compared to 2021/2022).
This downward trend in 2023/2024 highlights the potential impact of adverse climatic conditions, market challenges, and other external factors that have constrained overall production. These figures underline the importance of continued investment in sustainable practices and strategic planning to counterbalance these variations and ensure the sector's long-term stability.
San Bartolo Cooperative, Mandarin Plantation, Taurianova (Reggio Calabria)
Analysis of the Cultivated Area of Citrus Fruits
(2021/2022 - 2023/2024)
Blond Oranges
Blood Oranges
Source: ISTAT
Blond Orange
The decline in the cultivated area for blond orange reflects a gradual reduction over the years. The cumulative decrease of 3.3% compared to 2021/2022 indicates a steady contraction.
Blood Orange
Blood orange saw an initial increase in 2022/2023, followed by a sharp drop in 2023/2024. This shift suggests possible external factors such as adverse weather or reduced market demand influencing the sudden contraction.
Mandarin
The area devoted to mandarin decreased significantly in 2023/2024 after a slight increase in 2022/2023. The sharp 15.1% drop from 2022/2023 highlights challenges that may include reduced profitability or production issues.
Clementine
Clementine showed a relatively stable trend until 2022/2023, but 2023/2024 saw a noticeable decline, reflecting a cumulative 2.3% reduction since 2021/2022.
Lemon
Lemon cultivation remained steady until 2022/2023, with only minor fluctuations. However, the decrease in 2023/2024 indicates a shift in focus or environmental challenges
/ 2024
/ 2024
vs 2021/2022
/ 2024
/ 2024
Lime
Lime demonstrated growth between 2021/2022 and 2022/2023, but a reduction in 2023/2024 caused their cultivated area to drop closer to the 2021/2022 level. Despite this, there is an overall positive trend
Grapefruit
The cultivated area for grapefruit remained mostly stable over the years, with minor fluctuations reflecting a consistent level of production.
Bergamot
Bergamot cultivation showed no variation, underscoring its stability as a niche crop in the citrus sector.
Cedrat
Cedrat saw a temporary increase in 2022/2023 but reverted to their original cultivated area in 2023/2024, demonstrating no net growth over the three years.
Chinotto
32 ha
+6.67%vs 2021/2022 -11.11%vs 2022/2023
2023 / 2024
300 ha
2023 / 2024 -0.33%vs 2021/2022 -2.28%vs 2022/2023
2023 / 2024
1.500 ha
No Variation vs 2021/2022
No Variation vs 2022/2023
2023 / 2024
65 ha
No Variation vs 2021/2022
-8.45%vs 2022/2023
2023 / 2024
6 ha
The cultivated area for chinotto remained constant, reinforcing its small but stable presence in the sector. Citrus Report 2025
No Variation vs 2021/2022
No Variation vs 2022/2023
Change in cultivated area (%) 2024 vs 2022
Blond Oranges
Blood Oranges Mandarins
Source: ISTAT
The variations in cultivated area from 2021/2022 to 2023/2024 underline the complex dynamics in citrus production. While some crops such as bergamots and chinotto maintained stability, others, particularly mandarins and blood oranges, faced substantial reductions.
Lime and other citrus categories displayed growth compared to 2021/2022, despite recent declines. These trends reflect the ongoing challenges of climate change, market dynamics, and resource allocation in the citrus industry
The Citrus Fruit Season: Data, Analyses and Prospects
Analysis of Citrus for Processing
(2022/2024)
Citrus processing plays a pivotal role in transforming fresh fruit into a wide range of value-added products, catering to industries such as beverages, flavor and fragrance, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics
The percentage of citrus fruits directed towards processing depends on several factors, including
crop yields, market demand for fresh fruit, and the suitability of specific varieties for industrial use. Blond and blood oranges, for example, are primarily processed for juice production, while bergamots and chinotto are highly sought after for essential oils and flavoring agents.
The data highlights both stability and fluctuations across citrus processing categories. While some fruits, like bergamots, cedrat, and chinotto show no variation due to their niche uses, others such as blood oranges, mandarins, and lemons experienced notable reductions in 2023/2024.
These shifts reflect broader trends in production volumes and market demands.
The consistent processing of fruits like blond oranges and clementines underscores their importance to the juice and flavor industries. Addressing challenges such as climatic impacts and market shifts will be critical to maintaining the balance between fresh fruit consumption and industrial transformation.
Green Mandarin
Conclusion on Statistical Analysis
The analysis of the citrus sector from 2021/2022 to 2023/2024 reveals both stability and challenges across production, cultivated areas, and processing volumes. Total citrus production showed fluctuations, with a peak in 2022/2023 at over 3.2 million tons, followed by a decline to just over 3 million tons in 2023/2024. These changes reflect the impact of climatic variability, market demand, and sector-specific challenges.
Cultivated areas generally trended downward, with notable reductions in mandarins (-15.1% in 2023/2024 vs. 2022/2023) and blood oranges (-6.3% in 2023/2024 vs 2022/2023). Niche crops such as bergamots and chinotto remained stable, demonstrating resilience in their specialized markets. These trends underscore the need for adaptive strategies to maintain production levels, particularly for widely cultivated varieties like blond oranges and lemons, which also saw minor but steady declines in cultivated area.
Processing data highlights the critical role of industrial transformation in the citrus sector. Stable processing volumes for key fruits like blond oranges, clementines, and bergamots indicate consistent demand for their use in industries such as beverages, fragrances, and flavoring. However, fruits like blood oranges and mandarins experienced significant drops in processing volumes in 2023/2024, mirroring declines in production. Niche fruits, such as cedrats and chinotto, maintained consistent processing rates, showcasing their importance in specialized applications.
Overall, this analysis highlights the sector's dual nature: stability in certain crops and uses, juxtaposed with significant variability in others. These findings emphasize the importance of strategic planning, investment in sustainable practices, and market adaptability to address challenges and capitalize on opportunities. Through continuous innovation and adaptability, the citrus sector can overcome evolving environmental and economic challenges, ensuring sustained growth
Orange
Forecast for the 2024/2025 Season: Citrus Fruit Production Analysis
After having analysed the current data, we now turn our attention to future projections for citrus production, a sector long influenced by climate variability, evolving market demands, and advancements in agricultural practices.
2023/2024
Source: ISTAT
The forecast for the 2024/2025 seasons provides valuable insights into potential growth trends and areas of stability, helping to anticipate challenges and opportunities in this dynamic industry.
Production (ton) 2024/2025 Blond Oranges
Source: Agrumaria Reggina Forecast on 2024/2025 season
Citrus production in Italy is forecasted to grow in the 2024/2025 season. This growth is largely driven by a 10% increase in Blood Orange production, reaching 1,429,761 tons compared to 1,299,783 tons in 2023/2024, reflecting favorable climatic conditions, advancements in agricultural practices, and rising market demand. In contrast, Mandarins production is expected to experience a slight decline of 1.2%, while Clementines, Lemons,
Source: Agrumaria Analysis Forecast
1,429,761 514,430.4 142,000 662,978 456,024 27,000
and Bergamots remain stable, showcasing consistent demand and reliability in these categories. A balanced focus on strengthening areas of growth and mitigating potential risks in weaker categories will ensure the sector's sustained and balanced development. This approach will enable stakeholders to optimize performance and align their strategies with evolving market dynamics.
SPECIAL FEATURE
Oranges Production in Egypt
Oranges Production in Egypt
2022/2023
Planted Area (ha)
Harvested Area (ha)
Production (ton)
Exports (ton) Fresh
Source: USDA Official - Egypt
While the harvested and planted areas are expected to increase, the total production is expected to decline in 2024/2025 as compared to Marketing Years 2023/2024. Furthermore, a redistribution of the production is expected, with a significant rise of the volume allocated for processing.
The data highlights notable trends in the agricultural sector over three marketing years. While both planted and harvested areas are projected to see a modest increase by 2024/2025, total production is expected to decline from its peak of 4.200 tons in 2023/2024 to 3.700 tons. This decrease suggests potential challenges, such as environmental conditions or market dynamics.
Export volumes, which rose significantly from 1.600 tons in 2022/2023 to 2.300 tons in 2023/2024, are anticipated to drop to 1.950 tons in 2024/2025.6
Fresh domestic consumption follows a sharper downward trend, falling from 1.700 tons in 2022/2023 to just 1.150 tons in 2024/2025, likely reflecting changing consumer preferences or reduced market demand.
2024/2025
In contrast, a significant redistribution of production is expected, with the volume allocated for processing doubling from 300 tons to 600 tons by 2024/2025. This shift underscores a strategic move toward industrial applications and value-added processing over fresh consumption.
Overall, the sector demonstrates stability in land use but is navigating shifts in production priorities and market dynamics, focusing more on processing and adapting to changes in global and domestic demand.
Citrus Groves
The Phytosanitary Conditions of Citrus Groves
Citrus Report 2025 24
The Phytosanitary Conditions of Citrus Groves
1) Introduction
My name is Salvatore Lauria, and I am an agronomist dedicated to the advancement of Italian agricultural enterprises. With deep expertise in the agricultural sector, particularly in the phytosanitary management of citrus crops,
I offer a comprehensive understanding of the current state of citrus groves. My commitment lies in fostering sustainable growth and excellence in citrus cultivation.
2) What is the current state of citrus farming in Italy?
Italian citrus farming is increasingly oriented towards high-quality production, including IGP, DOP, and organic certifications. Prominent examples include: PGI Sicilian Blood Orange (Arancia rossa di Sicilia IGP), PGI Calabrian Clementine (Clementine di Calabria IGP), PGI Clementines of the Gulf of Taranto (Clementine del Golfo di Taranto IGP), PGI Syracuse Lemon (Limone di Siracus IGP), Interdoanto Lemon of Messina (Limone Interdonato di Messina), PGI Etna Lemon (Limone dell’ETNA IGP), PGI Gargano Oranges and Lemons (Arance e Limoni del Gargano IGP), PGI Amalfi Coast Lemon (Limone Costa D’Amalfi IGP), PGI Sorrento Lemon (Limone di Sorrento IGP), PDO Santa Maria del Cedro Citron (Cedro di Santa Maria del Cedro DOP), PDO Reggio Calabria Bergamot (Bergamotto di Reggio Calabria DOP), PDO Ribera Oranges (Arance di Ribera DOP).
In line with the principles of biodiversity conservation, some farms dedicate part of their land to cultivating local varieties. Representative examples in the province of Reggio Calabria include Locride Lemons and Sweet Oranges (Limoni e arance dolci della Locride), Villa San Giuseppe Oranges (Arance di Villa San Giuseppe), Caulonia Blond Oranges (Biondo di Caulonia), Firrandolo and Fragolino Oranges.
Altough limited in scale and distribution, there are also niche crops of non conventional citrus varieties such as Yuzu (Citrus reticulata var. austera) and Finger Lime (Citrus australasica).
The majority of production is focused on sustainable and health-oriented practices rooted in the territory, aspects increasingly valued by modern consumers who connect nutrition to their lifestyle.
3) What are
the current challenges for agricultural businesses?
The main challenges include highly extreme climate change, with drought affecting some areas and excessive rainfall impacting others, often leading to associated phytopatologies.
Small and medium size farms, in particular, face economic pressures due to global competition and rising costs for raw materials and labor. These issues are more pronounced for citrus grown for industrial use compared to those intended for fresh consumption and affect large-scale distribution more than short supply chains.
While pest and disease levels remain within the average range, constant vigilance and environmentally respectful management strategies are essential.
In many areas, wild animals, particularly wild boars, cause damage to trees and production, representing a growing issue.
4) What changes are underway?
Italian agricultural enterprises are adopting new citrus varieties that are highly appreciated by consumers, extending the commercial calendar, and implementing production and organizational models increasingly focused on reducing environmental impact, managing energy and water resources sustainably, and transitioning to renewable energy sources
These changes are essential for the sustainable growth of the Italian citrus sector and agriculture in general. On the other hand, a small percentage of farms dedicate part of their land to the cultivation of local varieties. Many farms are leveraging technology in precision agriculture, particularly to optimize irrigation, fertilization, and pest management.
Production and organizational models are increasingly oriented toward sustainability. These elements are fundamental to revitalizing the sector.
Globally, there is a growing trend in cultivated areas and international trade in the citrus industry. In Italy, a radical restructuring of citrus farming is underway, focusing on new varieties appreciated by consumers and the valorization of citrus by-products, such as essential oils, dietary supplements, and cosmetics.
Consumers are increasingly sensitive to sustainable packaging and are placing a stronger emphasis on corporate branding.
This year's marketing campaign began earlier than in previous years. On average, there has been an increase in production, and the quality of the product has significantly improved.
5) What is the phytosanitary
condition of citrus groves?
The phytosanitary condition is stable, with defensive strategies remaining unchanged:
1. Preventive measures, such as:
� Optimizing the use of natural resources;
� Limiting agricultural practices with negative impacts;
� Strengthening natural antagonists.
2. Monitoring through continuous decision-support tools;
3. Control via biological antagonists or phytosanitary products.
6) How are Italian farms addressing sustainability?
Italian farms are implementing initiatives to optimize water, fertilizers, and phytosanitary products with a stronger focus on environmental respect. These efforts are complemented by investments in renewable energy resources and biomass plants. Most farms rely on sustainability certifications such as GLOBAL GAP, ISO 14001, EMAS, Organic Certifications, and designations that promote traditional and sustainable practices tied to specific territories (PDO e PGI)
Research into new products or techniques with a lower environmental impact is also advancing, further promoting sustainability in Italian citrus farming.
The goals to be achieved by 2030 are ambitious but necessary:
� Reduce pesticide use by 50%;
� Reduce fertilizer use by 20%
� Cut greenhouse gas emissions in the agricultural sector;
� Increase organic farming to 25% of the utilized agricultural area.
The main phytophagous insects to monitor and manage include citrus thrips, Kelly’s thrips, woolly whitefly, spiny whitefly, brown citrus aphid, green aphid, gourd aphid, cottony cushion scale, red scale, citrus mealybag, citrus flower moth, citrus leaf miner, red spider mite, citrus bud mite, citrus rust mite, and fruit flies.
Special attention must be given to the phytosanitary conditions of imported exotic species.
Current innovation needs include roostocks and varieties, irrigation management, pest and disease control (including emerging diseases), and post-harvest management. The adoption of diverse rootstocks and varieties, especially in a sustainable manner, can achieve significant agronomic goals while delivering high-quality products to consumers over extended periods.
The approach of Italian farms combines tradition and innovation, aiming to reconcile environmental protection with economic and social sustainability. This commitment not only safeguards natural resources, but also strengthens the competitiveness of the Italian citrus and agricultural sectors on the global market.
Stories about Farms
Stories of Passion and Sustainability
Citrus farming is a cornerstone of agricultural production. Across the industry, farms strive to balance sustainability, efficiency, and quality by integrating innovative techniques and responsible environmental practices. In Calabria, several agricultural enterprises embody these principles.
Azienda Agricola Folino Gallo Giuseppe in Maida blends tradition with innovation to cultivate a variety of citrus fruits, while Azienda Agricola Mazzitelli in Reggio Calabria prioritizes sustainability and resource optimization in its citrus production. Similarly, Azienda Agricola Merlino Antonino in Taurianova embraces precision agriculture to enhance efficiency and minimize environmental impact. These farms represent the dynamic nature of citrus farming today.
Azienda Agricola
Folino Gallo Giuseppe
Located in Maida (CZ), this farm specializes in seasonal fruits and vegetables, with a strong focus on citrus production. Established in 2001, it blends traditional farming techniques with innovation, producing clementines, mandarins, and navel oranges while implementing sustainable agricultural practices.
Azienda Agricola
Mazzitelli
Based in Reggio Calabria, this farm is dedicated to citrus cultivation, particularly mandarins, clementines, and bergamots. With a commitment to sustainability, it employs responsible water management and organic fertilization while working toward energy self-sufficiency and resource optimization.
Azienda Agricola
Merlino Antonino
Situated in Taurianova (RC), this farm focuses on oranges, lemons, and clementines. Since its establishment in 2017, it has embraced modern farming techniques, including precision irrigation and eco-friendly methods, ensuring high productivity with minimal environmental impact
As the citrus industry continues to evolve, farms that integrate sustainability, innovation, and efficiency will shape the future of agricultural production. The examples of Azienda Agricola Folino Gallo Giuseppe, Azienda Agricola Mazzitelli, and Azienda Agricola Merlino Antonino demonstrate how different approaches - whether through advanced irrigation, responsible resource management, or eco-friendly farming-can drive long-term productivity while preserving environmental integrity.
Azienda Agricola Folino Gallo Giuseppe
Contrada Balzano 88025 - Maida (CZ)
Description of the Company
Azienda Agricola Folino Gallo Giuseppe specializes in cultivating seasonal fruits and vegetables, with a focus on citrus production.
10 hectares,
Company History
Our farm was established in 2001 in Maida, an area with a strong agricultural vocation, driven by a deep connection to the land and the community. Our mission is to instill a passion for agriculture, producing excellence while respecting nature, merging traditional techniques with continuous innovation.
7 of which dedicated to citrus cultivation Extension
Citrus Fruits Produced
• Clementines
• Late Ciaculli Mandarins
• Mandalate Mandarins
• Naveline VCR
• Lane Late Oranges
Sustainable Actions Implemented
Although we do not have organic certifications, we prioritize techniques and products aligned with organic agriculture and products with low environmental impact. We continuously update our equipment, agronomic techniques, fertlizers, and phitosanitary products to reduce environmental impact.
Total Production approximately 20.000 – 26.000 kg
Azienda Agricola Mazzitelli
Via Argine Dx Annunziata, 13 89122 - Reggio Calabria (RC)
Description of the Company
Azienda Agricola Mazzitelli dedicates to revitalizing the family’s citrus-growing tradition. Our passion lies in producing mandarins, clementines and bergamots in the province of Reggio Calabria.
6.2 Hectares
Company History
Azienda Agricola Mazzitelli embodies a rich family tradition deeply rooted in a passion for growing citrus. Our mission is clear: to restore the Mazzitelli family's citrus heritage to its former glory. Every tree nurtured is a step toward the rebirth of a legacy that spans generations, strengthening a bond with the land and shaping a future full of promise.
Citrus Fruits Produced
• Mandarins: 14.000 kg
• Bergamots: 8.000 kg
• Clementines: 18.000 kg
Certifications Held by the Company
• ISO 9001
(Quality Management System)
Sustainable Actions Implemented
We are committed to responsible water management and the use of organic fertilizers to promote environmental sustainability. Additionally, we implement sustainable pruning practices through mulching, maximizing its benefits for soil health and overall ecosystem balance. Our focus is on achieving energy self-sufficiency and optimizing resources.
Future Projects
We are looking to the future with a series of ambitious projects. Recently, we planted 700 new trees. In the short term, we aim to restore the company’s well, and reduce and optimize energy usage, with the goal of achieving energy self-sufficiency in the long term. Additionally, we are adopting strategies to protect crops from heatwaves, optimize production by reducing tree spacing, conserve water, and promote pollination.
Azienda Agricola Merlino Antonino
Contrada Barone, 2/A 89029 – Taurianova (Rc)
Description of the Company
Azienda Agricola Merlino Antonino specializes in the cultivation of citrus fruits, with a particular focus on oranges, lemons, and clementines. Notable varieties include Valencia, Navel, and Moro Oranges, as well as Zagara Bianca Lemons.
Citrus Fruits Produced • Oranges:
Company History
Established in 2017, our company has embarked on a journey of renewal and transformation. By introducing new citrus cultivations and high-efficiency irrigation systems, we have significantly enhanced the yield and profitability of our land. The integration of precision agriculture sensors marks a major step forward in optimizing the management of our citrus groves, ensuring sustainability and excellence in every harvest.
Sustainable Actions Implemented
We have adopted micro-irrigations systems and soil sensor to measure moisture levels, enabling the optimization of water and energy usage. Our approach is strongly oriented toward farming practices with low environmental impact, ensuring sustainable resource management and eco-friendly agricultural methods.
Certifications Held by the Company
• GlobalG.A.P. (Good Agricultural Practices)
• Organic Farming Certificartion (EU Regulation 2092/91)
Future Projects
We are continuously updating our practices to align with organic farming methods. As part of our commitment to sustainability, we are working towards the installations of a photovoltaic system a significant step towards achieving energy sustainability and reducing our environmental impact.
Our Journey for a Sustainable Future
We are proud to continue our collaboration with NATIVA, a Regenerative Design Company, to drive a sustainable future for our operations and broader community.
In 2024, Agrumaria Reggina's Board members took a significant step by enshrining Benefit Corporation principles in our statute, reinforcing our commitment to balancing profit with a positive impact on society and the environment. This decision reflects our core values and strengthens our long-term vision for sustainability. Alongside this, we are actively working toward B Corp certification, having completed the B Impact Assessment and developed a master plan to guide our journey.
Our commitment to impact spans across four key pillars: Value Chain, People, Community, and Environment; with a focus on transparency, net-zero, sustainable sourcing, and social responsibility:
· Governance & People: We continue to foster a sustainable workplace through employee welfare initiatives and flexible work policies.
· Community: Our social responsibility efforts include annual donations to organizations such as Attendiamoci, Banco Alimentare, and WaterAid.
· Supply Chain & Environment: We are advancing supply chain transparency by collecting GHG and water footprint data from suppliers while driving our net-zero transition, having set a 2023 emissions baseline and mapped carbon hotspots.
Additionally, we take pride in our Circular Economy System, where waste is minimized to preserve natural resources. Our onsite water treatment plant enables wastewater byproducts to be repurposed as agricultural fertilizer, while evaporated water is reused for cleaning. Similarly, citrus byproduct (Pastazzo) is converted into biogas for energy recovery.
This innovative approach earned us recognition as an official partner for World Engineering Day 2025, an International Day proclaimed by UNESCO.
The WED 2025 campaign will be launched at UNESCOʼs Paris headquarters on 4 March 2025, marking the start of a year-long global initiative.
Our sustainability journey continues with dedication, innovation, and a firm commitment to a better future.
About Us
Citrus Report 2025
About Agrumaria Reggina
Agrumaria Reggina is a Nature-Inspired Family Company specialized in the production of citrus-based solutions for the Nutrition & Beauty industries. With 40 years of experience, we have built a legacy of excellence, combining deep-rooted expertise with continuous innovation to meet the evolving needs of our global partners.
Our journey of growth and expansion has reached a new milestone with the opening of our state-of-the-art facility in Egypt, strengthening our production capacity and reinforcing our commitment to sourcing the finest citrus ingredients.
We offer a comprehensive portfolio of high-quality citrus solutions, including Juice Concentrates, Essential Oils & Derivates, Flavour & Extracts, and Juice Compounds
Driven by passion, sustainability, and innovation, we continue to expand our reach, providing premium citrus-based solutions to the world's leading brands.
For further information: info@agrumariareggina.it
www.agrumariareggina.it