The Algarve’s famously juicy oranges and citrus fruits are looking to make a splash abroad. AlgarOrange, the regional association of citrus operators, has announced a major promotional drive to take the Citrinos do Algarve Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) brand to four key international markets – Spain, France, Germany and Canada.
The campaign kicks off on September 30 and runs until October 2 in Madrid, where Algarve citrus fruits will feature at the international Fruit Attraction trade fair. Over the next year, producers will host four major events abroad and three initiatives at home in the Algarve, all running through to the end of 2026.
“These markets were chosen not only because of their growth potential for Citrinos do Algarve PGI, but also because they host the largest international trade fairs in the sector, bringing together thousands of potential customers from all over the world,” the association said in a statement.
AlgarOrange adds the initiative aims to boost recognition, prestige and international visibility for Algarve citrus, promoting its quality, unique taste and added value among foreign consumers. The campaign slogan – “Get the taste. Feel the sun.” –aims to succinctly convey the region’s special conditions for growing citrus, from its warm, sunny climate to its fertile soils, which deliver fruit with the right balance of sweetness and acidity, plus a high juice content – whether it’s oranges, tangerines, clementines or lemons.
“This is a large-scale, ambitious project that will put Citrinos do Algarve PGI on the international map,” says José Oliveira, president of AlgarOrange. “We are opening doors in strategic markets and strengthening the competitiveness of companies in the region.”
The strategy forms part of the ‘Internacionalizar + Algarve 3.0’ project, backed by the European Algarve2030 Programme, which seeks to raise the region’s profile abroad. It is co-promoted by NERA – Algarve Region Business Association, AlgarOrange, the Algarve Tourism Association, the Algarve Wine Commission, the Algarve Tourism Region and the University of the Algarve.
Currently, 15 regional operators produce Citrinos do Algarve PGI across the districts of Albufeira, Castro Marim, Faro, Lagoa, Lagos, Loulé (excluding Ameixial), Monchique, Olhão, Portimão, São Brás de Alportel, Silves, Tavira (excluding Cachopo) and Vila Real de Santo António.
The 2023/2024 harvest saw production soar past 64,000 tonnes – the highest in eight years, according to AlgarOrange.
