Algarve Citrus PGI is strengthening its international promotion strategy with a focus on expanding its presence in key European markets. As part of the international campaign “Get the Taste. Feel the Sun”, the Internacionalizar + Algarve 3.0 project organised an immersive visit to the region for journalists and influencers from France, Germany and Belgium.
The initiative, co-financed by the Algarve 2030 Regional Programme, Portugal 2030 and the European Union, aimed to showcase Citrinos do Algarve IGP first-hand. The Protected Geographical Indication covers oranges, mandarins, clementines and lemons grown in a region known for its 365 days of sunshine a year, distinctive soils and unique microclimate.
Visit’s began in Faro with an informal boat trip along the Ria Formosa, allowing participants to discover how the coastal landscape helps create a specific microclimate that contributes directly to the flavour and aroma of Algarve citrus fruits.
Programme’s also included a harvesting experience, meetings with producers, visits to orchards in different parts of the region and a tour of a packing facility.
A region linked to quality and origin
The Algarve is one of the leading citrus-producing regions in southern Europe, combining recognised origin with a strong quality guarantee. Citrinos do Algarve IGP are distinguished by their thin, bright and glossy skin, high juice content and sweet flavour, with a balanced profile between sweetness and acidity.
Production is based on sustainable farming practices that promote efficient water use, soil protection and the enhancement of the local ecosystem. This approach helps ensure both environmental responsibility and product quality.
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In recent years, average productivity has increased steadily thanks to efficient resource management and continued investment in innovation and technology. In the 2023-24 season, sales volumes of citrus fruit certified under the PGI exceeded 64,000 tonnes, the highest figure in eight years.
France, Germany and Belgium as strategic markets
The target markets for this press visit —France, Germany and Belgium— are considered strategic for increasing exports within the European Union.
According to the campaign data, in 2026 exports of citrus fruit produced in the Algarve, with and without PGI designation, reached €382 million.
The press trip offered a valuable opportunity to present, in situ, the potential of one of southern Europe’s leading citrus regions and to promote Algarve Citrus PGI in high-value European markets.
A campaign running until December 2026
The initiative is part of the internationalisation strategy for Citrinos do Algarve IGP, led by AlgarOrange – Associação de Operadores de Citrinos do Algarve, and will run until December 2026.
Under the motto “Get the Taste. Feel the Sun”, the campaign invites consumers to discover oranges, mandarins, clementines and lemons grown in the Algarve under exceptional conditions.
The Internacionalizar + Algarve 3.0 project includes several promotional initiatives across the agri-food, tourism, technology, health and maritime sectors. It is jointly developed by NERA – Associação Empresarial da Região do Algarve, AlgarOrange, the Algarve Tourism Association, the Algarve Wine Commission, the Algarve Tourism Region and the University of Algarve.
