Orange

The orange fruit is one of the most widely consumed fruits in Romania. It is a
member of the citrus family along with lemons, limes, pomelos, mandarine and
grapefruit. Many of the citruys species are considered to be hybrids. The orange is a
hybrid of ancient cultivated origin, possibly between pomelo and mandarine. It is a small
flowering tree growing to about 10 metres with glossy evergreen baves, wich are
arranged alternately of ovate shape with cremlate margins and 4-10 centimeters long. The
white flowers tend to be very fragrant. Although originatingin Southeast Asia, the trees
thrive around the world in warm-climate (tropical and sub-tropical) regions, including
Brazil, Portugal, Mexico, India, Spain, North Africa and the United States.

There are more than 16 varieties of oranges grown. The most popular variety is
the sweet orange of which there are three main subcategories: naval oranges, common
oranges and blood oranges.
The orange fruit is rich in antioxidants and vitamins such as vitamin C, vitamin
B6, folic acid and dietary fiber. These vitamins promote a healthy immune system and
prevent heart disease and high blood pressure. Oranges also contain a significant amount
of important minerals such as calcium, magnesium and potassium.
 In Romania citrus fruits are considered exotic fruits and are grown only in a
handful of greenhouses, but according to statistics imports reached a value of almost two
milion Euro last year alone.
The relationship between fruit and retail prices appears to have changed. That first
became apparent between 2014-2016 seasons. Fruit prices more than doubled in response
to reduced supplies. Retail prices increased to cover higher fruit prices and reduce market
in line wich reduced supplies. Retail price increased a total of 32% between the 2014-
2016 seasons. Retail market volume declined a total of 19% between 2014-2016 seasons.
In competition wich each other, private label and brands were quick to change
selling prices in response to changes in fruit prices. Correlation between retail and fruit
prices 83%. But even though oranges production had increase. Market volumes continued
to decline.
Seasons Quantity imported Price
(boxes) (RON/kg)
2014 442 1,70
2015 364 2,90
2016 281 3,10

We can buy oranges from market and online. The best known company
distributing oranges in Romania is called Portofruit. The company is famous for its good
quality of oranges originating in Arta, Greece. Amount of oranges annually distributed
reaches 6000-8000 kg. Geographical and ecological conditions in Greece allow
harvesting oranges year-round throught the country. Oranges are exported between
October 20 and May 15, and may vary depending out the variety.
The most common method of promotion of oranges are TV advertising.
Promotion programs has included a wide variety of activities including various
promotions to consumers such as recipe and other contests, giveaways and incentives,
sponsoring tours of buyers to the countries oranges growing region and much more.