Organized on the territory of the "Citron de Menton" PGI, a mecca for French citrus production, the aim of the show was to introduce trade visitors and the general public to the world of the various citrus sectors around the Mediterranean, particularly those benefiting from a PDO or PGI.

Citrus under SIQO in the spotlight

Over the two days, conferences and round tables brought together producers, technicians, institutions and scientists to discuss the history of citrus, health problems, climate issues, and the use of citrus in perfumery and cooking. Valérie Keller, South-East territorial delegate, as well as Jean-Paul Mancel from APRODEC (organization for the defense and management of Corsican citrus PGIs) and Stéphane Constantin from the "Citron de Menton" PGI ODG took part in the round table organized around "L'intérêt de la mise en place des labels et certifications de qualité pour les filières agrumicoles" alongside representatives of citrus ODGs from various Mediterranean countries.

Agents from La Valette-du-Var manned a stand to inform industry professionals and consumers about SIQO, INAO, and regional production under SIQO. In particular, the Syndicat Interprofessionnel de l'Olive de Nice (SION) was invited to promote and organize tastings of olives, olive paste and, of course, olive oil from the PDO "Olive de Nice" (which includes olive paste) and "Huile d'olive de Nice".

A wide range of national and international citrus growers were represented

The Var (83) departmental chamber of agriculture was also present at the show, as was INRAE, the San-Giuliano site specializing in citrus production, which came to present its citrus collection and thoughts on genetic resources. In terms of production: alongside the stands manned by the ODG of the "Citron de Menton" PGI and the sector's authorized producers, Corsican PGIs were present: APRODEC representing the "Clémentine de Corse" and "Pomelo de Corse" PGIs, and a number of delegations from citrus production under SIQO (oranges, blood oranges, pomelos, lemons, etc.), notably from Italy, Portugal, Greece and Croatia. Numerous products based on Menton PGI citrus or lemon, such as juices, beers, limoncello, jams, maralpine specialities and cosmetics, were also presented to visitors over the two days.

The show attracted a large number of visitors for its first edition: 2,700 over the two days. This event will be repeated next year.