First held in April 2024 in Menton, the International Citrus Fair has been imagined by the “Association pour la Promotion du Citron de Menton (APCM)”, the group in charge of promoting and protecting the PGI “Citron de Menton”. The fair has the objective to explore ways to ensure the sustainability of the sector and the PGI in the light of future challenges and opportunities.
The PGI “Citron de Menton” represents a small-scale sector (about 70 tons per year and 90 producers), but it has a significant reputation. It has engaged with the PGIs Clémentine de Corse and Pomelo de Corse, as well as other European PDOs and PGIs, who have shown strong interest in creating synergies between them and with professionals from the agri-food, perfume, research, and institutional sectors. This collaboration is driven by shared challenges, including new health issues, genetic resource management, adapting specifications to climate change, and exploring new market opportunities for citrus PDOs and PGIs.
For its second edition, following the success of the first, the International Citrus Fair will offer numerous conferences and roundtables led by scientists, producers, and professional organizations, as well as representatives from all sectors (agriculture, agri-food, gastronomy, and industry). It will also welcome representatives from many European citrus industries (France, Croatia, Greece, Italy, Spain) and Asian countries (Vietnam, Thailand), all involved in quality and origin-based initiatives.
One of the objectives of these days is to foster exchanges, the sharing of experiences and knowledge among professionals, and to encourage collaborative initiatives between sectors. Among the topics addressed during the conferences and roundtables, the impacts of climate change, the emergence of new pathogens, the sustainability of Geographical Indications, and the various uses of citrus will be at the heart of the discussions.
“Strengthening cooperation between producers, researchers, institutional bodies, and citrus processing professionals is essential to address these numerous challenges.
Adapting to climate change, preserving natural resources, combating emerging diseases and pests (such as HLB, for example), while maintaining the quality, origin, and value of PGI products for consumers, are all critical topics that we will explore throughout these three days. But it is also a unique opportunity to come together, build connections, and offer fun, educational, and interactive activities around the fabulous world of citrus.”
The International Citrus Fair will also offer high-quality activities such as cooking shows presented by renowned chefs, workshops for the public, opportunities to meet producers from various countries, and processors (from the agri-food and perfume industries), all aimed at discovering the full diversity that citrus fruits have to offer.
For more information please visit the official website.
