Exports of Maltese oranges to the French market should begin Monday, January 11, 2016, with an expected increase from 23,200 tons in 2015 to 25,000 tons this year.
Samir Ben Slimane, sales director of the inter-professional fruit group (GIF) said France will import 90% of Maltese oranges from Tunisia .
Despite the 12% decrease in domestic production of Maltese oranges (111,500 tons against 146,000 tons last season), a 50% improvement in quality and caliber has been noticed, which has helped improve the export prices.
Ben Slimane said the Russian market has a significant import potential, and new strategies are implemented to facilitate access to new markets and sell different varieties of oranges.
The first sales of Tunisian oranges to the Russian market will begin in early February and will be carried by sea via the ports of Marseilles and Genoa and then by land on a five-day trip.
