Winter not only brings cool temperatures, but also a special fruit to our range: the Red Orange, also known as California Rojo or Red Navel. It is the result of natural hybridisation and is grown in the sunny regions of Spain and South Africa. This extraordinary citrus fruit delights with its beautiful pink colour and unmistakable aroma, which is reminiscent of roses, cherries and berries. The characteristic colouring, caused by the secondary plant substance lycopene, makes the red orange a real eye-catcher and at the same time enhances its health benefits. LLombart recognised the potential of these varieties early on and established intensive partnerships with selected producers. We see the red and bloodorange varieties not only as a flavour enhancement, but also as a real added value for the consumer.
We have therefore set ourselves the task of maximising the availability of these special fruits. We are constantly researching new cultivation methods and varieties in our own trial fields in order to further expand the availability of this special fruit. This is part of our long-term strategy to create a 12-month supply of high-quality citrus fruit and revolutionise the market for lycopene oranges. The currently available varieties are available from December to February and are distributed by us to food retailers and wholesale customers.
To coincide with the start of the season, an article about our red oranges was published on FreshPlaza this week. It provides an insight into the current market situation and highlights the benefits of pigmented orange varieties.
In this way, we want to offer the best varieties of red oranges. These include the tried and tested Cara Cara and Kirkwood as well as new varieties such as Red Lina, which we are trading for the first time this year. In collaboration with leading scientists and partners, we are conducting clinical studies to further research and scientifically substantiate the health benefits of red oranges.
Our commitment to quality and innovation is also reflected in our own brands ‘Pretty in Pink’ and ‘La Vie en Rose’. A relaunch is planned for both brands next season to give them a fresh design and new look.
Whether freshly peeled, in salads or as juice – LLombart’s red oranges impress in every form with their intense flavour and health-promoting properties. Thanks to their high carotenoid content, the rose-coloured oranges have a stronger antioxidant effect than conventional varieties, making them a particularly valuable part of a healthy diet.
The red Orange is more than just a fruit – it is a symbol of LLombard’s commitment to bringing the best of nature to the market. Through continuous research and development, we are convinced that the Red Orange will become even more important in the coming years.
