In this article, the agricultural journalist Paco Seva analyses some of the lemon and grapefruit sector’s pending questions, as well as its future challenges.
In his book ‘Limón y Pomelo: Consideraciones y Reflexiones periodísticas’ (Lemon and Grapefruit, Journalistic Considerations and Reflections), the veteran professional puts some of the problems inherent to the sector on the table, along with their possible solutions.
The arrangement and concentration of the offer are two of the parameters necessary for the growth of the sector. “This is not just a utopia if we want to gain in competitiveness within the sector, but rather a necessity to increase our strength in terms of sector”, Seva explains.
Another of the basic needs involves the creation of a quality brand name for Spanish lemons, through a national Protected Geographical Indication, which could be called PGI “Limón de España” (Spanish Lemon), ensuring that national lemons could be differentiated from third country productions, such as Turkey.
Furthermore, an action plan must be established to make this sector become involved with the new technologies, particularly with the social networks.
“It is essential to support an internationalisation plan to expand lemon and grapefruit sales not only in the European Union, but also on other markets such as the Arab Emirates, Asia and Canada”.
Regarding production, cost rationalisation policies must be applied, which can guarantee added value to the producers.
Moreover, important work must be carried out to cause an increase in the consumption rate of these two citrus fruits on the national market, as well as promoting strategic alliances to unify the offer and manage to obtain greater bargaining capacity with the spokespeople from modern distribution channels.
