"Having the books in order is a prerequisite for an efficient consortium capable of safeguarding and promoting Arancia Rossa di Sicilia IGP," explains Gerardo Diana, who has been guiding one of the leading consortia in southern Italy since 2001.
Gerardo Diana
"In line with the board of directors that elected me president seven months ago, we strengthened one of the principles that has always guided Consorzio Arancia Rossa di Sicilia IGP - transparency and caution in the management of finances and resources. Just like a company with its books in order and a careful management of resources can afford to invest and grow without obstacles other than the physiological business risk, a consortium also needs sturdy economic and financial bases to perform its role. Some of the leading entrepreneurs from the citrus fruit chain form part of our board of directors, representing a productive fabric formed by hundreds of packagers and producers who are also aware of how important it is to know how to run a business."
"As a citrus fruit producer, I fully perceive the responsibility of my role. Together with my staff, I am constantly at work to represent our partners as best as I can, entrepreneurs that represent the best part of Sicilian citrus fruit production and high-quality agriculture in general."
The economic potential of the consortium, i.e. of the companies that form part of it, is considerable with over 35 thousand tons of produce generating a turnover of over €40 million. "We need to improve the brand and production details but, thanks to this great potential, quality and most of all absolute value can grow."
"Having invested considerable resources in varietal innovation against the Tristeza virus has brought about great advantage on the market, which we are now able to serve with produce with a better performance when it comes to pigmentation, flavor and self-life (LSL). Consumers also particularly appreciate the healthy aspect of blood oranges , which are rich in anthocyanin and other beneficial elements. We are among the few, maybe even the only ones, that are investing on blood varieties, so we have an advantage with respect to other Mediterranean competitors who have focused on blond varieties."
"Now we will have to be even better at promoting this product. This is why we have chosen to increase our presence on the traditional and digital media. A practical example is the new video made by the master photographer and video maker Paolo Barone."
"Communication is essential for our fruit and we are investing resources and energy so that consumers can get to know the nutritional and organoleptic properties of Sicilian blood oranges."
For further information: 
Gerardo Diana
Consorzio di Tutela
Arancia Rossa di Sicilia IGP
Via San Giuseppe la Rena 30/B
95121 Catania (CT)
Sede operativa:
Via Passo del Fico S.P. 70/I C/da Jungetto,
C/o MAAS Corpo B Catania
+39 095 507681
aranciarossadisicilia@gmail.com
www.tutelaaranciarossa.it