The Consortium of PGI clementines from the Gulf of Taranto plays a strategic role in coordinating the players along the supply chain and promoting this Italian citrus fruit on the markets. Among the most active companies within the consortium is Gianni Stea Import Export Srl, an Apulian company specialising in the processing and marketing of fruit and vegetables (apricots, table grapes, peaches, clementine oranges, and lemons).
The success of the Protected Geographical Indication mark is closely linked to the synergy between the various operators. The strength of the project lies in fact in the collaboration between producers and packers who, together, guarantee and promote the certified product.
"We strongly believe in the value of a shared project," says Domenico Stea. "Being united is the only way to safeguard and promote PGI clementines from the Gulf of Taranto, reinforcing their recognisability and transmitting a consistent, high-quality image to consumers. A concrete example of this strategy is the adoption of a single coordinated packaging that strengthens the brand and makes the product immediately identifiable on the shelves. The PGI product from the province of Taranto is highly appreciated by buyers, especially in December and January."
© Gianni Stea
The prospects for the 2025/26 campaign are positive, with good quality and interesting volume forecast despite the prolonged water emergency. "Besides the foreign market, with frequent shipments to Germany, the Netherlands, and France, our main sales outlets remain Italian supermarkets. We are planning to supply the shelves of seven chains in the Centre-North of the country. Big retail chains absorb 70% of the volumes sold. Among the packages that will open the season starting in mid-October are the 2 kg box, the 1.5 and 2 kg net bags for the smaller grades, and the 6 kg box for premium level fruits. However, we are also looking at new strategic areas such as Eastern Europe and the Middle East, where there is a growing demand for certified fruit.
© Gianni Stea To meet the needs of markets and consumers, Gianni Stea places a strong emphasis on sustainability and innovation. "We have invested in environmentally-friendly, recyclable, and compostable packaging, thereby reducing the use of plastic. It is a choice that not only meets consumer demands, but also reinforces the consistency of the values we want to communicate: environmental protection, high-quality, and transparency. At the same time, the implementation of advanced digital systems improves traceability and logistics, making it possible to follow the product from the field to the table and guaranteeing rapid deliveries and total transparency to customers."
The product itself remains at the centre, and its strength lies in the unique characteristics conferred by the microclimate of the Gulf of Taranto. "Our commitment is to get these citrus fruits onto the markets with a strong brand capable of conveying the value of this typical Italian product. Our clementines are appreciated for their balanced, sweet and fragrant flavour, and for their thin, easily peeled skin, which are qualities that consumers have always recognised."
Finally, Daniela Barreca, President of the Consortium for the Protection of PGI Clementines of the Gulf of Taranto, adds that "the strength of the Consortium lies in the collaboration between the different players in the chain. Producers and packers together guarantee and promote a product with distinctive, PGI-certified characteristics. This is why we are always inviting new companies to join: joining a consortium means strengthening brand protection, benefiting from shared promotional campaigns, and having more tools to face the international markets."
For more information:
Gianni Stea Import-Export S.r.l.
Via Siracusa, 37 - 70022 Altamura (BA)
+39 344 113 9614
[email protected]
steaimportexport.com
Consorzio di Tutela IGP Clementine del Golfo di Taranto
Viale Chiatona n.131
74019 Palagiano (Taranto) - Italy
+39 3939151555
[email protected]
igpclementinetaranto.it