Attendees were able to evaluate Havva and Sigal in orchards already in full commercial production, and learn about other new varieties
Valencia-based Genesis Fresh has completed a tour of Spain’s main citrus-growing areas to showcase the agronomic performance of its new premium mandarin varieties. During a series of multi-day guided visits, international retailers, growers, exporters, and technical specialists had the opportunity to evaluate Havva and Sigal in orchards already in full commercial production, while also gaining first-hand insight into other new varieties.
They conducted in-depth assessments of tree agronomic behaviour, adaptability to different soil, climate, and management conditions, and the key parameters that determine fruit quality and ease of consumption. Critical aspects such as resilience and post-harvest shelf-life were also closely analysed.
“The conclusions firmly position Havva and Sigal as exceptionally high-value varieties, aligned with consumer expectations and the requirements of all supply chain stakeholders, particularly in terms of ease of cultivation for growers and maximising profitability,” Genesis Fresh said.
Due to the level of interest generated by the field days, the company has scheduled additional visits in the coming weeks. Companies and growers interested in participating may request attendance by contacting info@genesisfreshglobal.com.
Developed by the Volcani-Genesis Fresh breeding programme, Havva and Sigal share the same genetic line as the Orri mandarin. “Through controlled natural hybridisation, molecular marker-assisted selection, and extensive sensory and agronomic evaluation, the programme aims to develop varieties that achieve the highest standards of flavour, colour, ease of peeling, productivity, shelf-life, seedlessness, disease resistance, and climate adaptability,” Genesis Fresh said.
“These varieties are designed to deliver high yields, strong and differentiated shelf presence, and a superior eating experience. Their maturity windows allow retailers to significantly advance their premium mandarin offering, with exceptional consistency and performance that clearly surpass traditional varieties.”
Havva is harvested between November and mid-January, depending on the region. According to Genesis Fresh, it offers “excellent internal quality and delivers the attributes required for robust mid-season performance, while its deep orange colour with reddish hues, natural shine, and exceptional ease of peeling make it instantly recognisable”.
Havva is described as having a very sweet, well-balanced flavour with aromatic notes and shows strong resilience to puffing and granulation. “The variety is virtually seedless even under cross-pollination conditions, demonstrates excellent post-harvest performance, and achieves high pack-out rates in the packing house, positioning it as a reliable, premium option for growers, exporters, and retailers during the critical pre-Christmas period,” the breeder said.
Sigal, meanwhile, is harvested from late December through mid-February and is characterised by its sweet, juicy flesh, attractive coloration, easy peeling and almost total absence of seeds, even under cross-pollination conditions.
Both varieties carry genetic markers for resistance to Alternaria, one of the main challenges facing modern mandarin production in Spain during their harvest window. Genesis Fresh said it supports licensed growers with agronomic protocols and cultivation recommendations, although these varieties integrate easily into existing orchards and offer an accessible management model with clear productivity advantages.
