European oranges are improving in flavour and value every week as their sugar levels increase, and the early-season sharpness fades, giving us a better balance of sweetness and acidity.
On Wednesday, we’ve our first arrival of citrus from Agricoop in Sicily. Expect to see their oranges, lemons and grapefruit pepping up our shelves, along with their incredible citron.
We will also receive their first pomegranates, which are always showstoppers in flavour complexity and richness.
One of our Euro’ buyers Marie stopped by Agricoop a few weeks ago to meet long standing supplier Alessandro, and learn a little more about their collection of over 20 growers who formed a co-operative back in 1992.
In total, Agricoop’s growers farm over 600 hectares of land on Sicily, growing everything from artichokes to quince. While much of their produce is for local markets, their citrus is celebrated on our shelves every season.
We were particularly impressed with the quality of their soil and the careful, sustainable approach they take to farming within the Sicilian landscape. Along with prioritising land stewardship, Agricoop is dedicated to providing stable income in Sicily – they recently planted over a million strawberry plants to create year-round employment for their workers, moving beyond the seasonal work typical on the island.
As one of the first co-operatives Unicorn traded with, we are proud that this relationship continues, and know from the warmth of Alessandro’s hospitality that the feeling is mutual.
