Tango fruit attraction

The company behind the Tango clementine has moved a step closer to its goal of achieving year-round supply to European markets.

Eurosemillas, which markets the variety outside the US, says Northern and Southern Hemisphere producers have been able to supply the market with abundant volumes during an eight-month window this year, with smaller quantities available for a further two months.

“As new plantings come into production we hope to be able to cover the whole 12 month calendar in the medium term,” the company said.

Spanish production for the 2017/18 campaign is expected to hit 25,000 tonnes. This season will also see Turkey produce its first commercial crop of around 2,000 tonnes, extending the sales window into December.

In addition, Southern Hemisphere production totalled 15,000 tonnes, of which around 8,000 tonnes was sold in Europe during the summer months.

Eurosemillas said it would continue promoting Tango through its Let’s Play initiative, which has helped establish the variety in the Spanish market since its launch four years ago, adding new formats to boost its premium convenience positioning.