GENESIS FRESH has once again placed its new protected mandarin varieties center stage, capturing industry-wide attention through a series of multi-day guided visits across Spain’s main citrus-producing areas. Sector leaders and key industry stakeholders joined this ambitious tour to evaluate Havva™ and Sigal™ in orchards already in full commercial production, while also gaining first-hand insight into other new varieties set to redefine the next chapter of the citrus category.
From Tarragona to the Portuguese border in Huelva, with stops across the Valencian Community, Murcia, and Seville, international retail groups, growers, exporters, and technical specialists conducted in-depth assessments of tree agronomic behavior, 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 analyzed. 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 maximizing profitability.
RELATED NEWS: GENESIS FRESH and TEO Launch New Premium Mandarins HAVVA and SIGAL
Havva™ and Sigal™ share the successful ORRi mandarin genetic line and are the result of the VOLCANI–GENESIS FRESH citrus breeding program, one of the most rigorous and advanced varietal development programs in the world. Through controlled natural hybridization, molecular marker-assisted selection, and extensive sensory and agronomic evaluation, the program aims to develop varieties that achieve the highest standards of flavor, color, ease of peeling, productivity, shelf life, seedlessness, disease resistance, and climate adaptability. 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. It offers excellent internal quality and delivers the attributes required for robust mid-season performance. Its deep orange color with reddish hues, natural shine, and exceptional ease of peeling make it instantly recognizable. Havva™ maintains a very sweet, well-balanced flavor 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.
Sigal™
Is harvested from late December through mid-February and is characterized by its outstanding aromatic sweetness, highly juicy flesh, and distinctive sensory profile that resonates with consumers seeking a superior citrus experience. Sigal™ develops highly attractive external and internal color, peels very easily, and is virtually seedless even under cross-pollination conditions. Its firmness and resistance preserve exceptional quality throughout the entire supply chain, reinforcing its position as a standout variety in high-value markets.
Both varieties carry genetic markers for resistance to Alternaria, one of the main challenges facing modern mandarin production in Spain during their harvest window. This genetic resistance improves on-farm sustainability, reduces production costs, and enhances product reliability and pack-house efficiency. GENESIS FRESH 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.
GENESIS FRESH continues to drive the future of citrus through varietal innovation. Havva™ and Sigal™ represent a decisive step in strengthening the premium mandarin category and building a resilient, high-value, future-ready supply chain.
Following the strong interest generated by the field days held since the beginning of the month, GENESIS FRESH has scheduled additional visits in the coming weeks. Companies and growers interested in participating may request attendance by contacting info@genesisfreshglobal.com
