Recognizing the potential of the food sector, Alibaba group will be the first global platform to bring Arance Rosse di Sicilia (Red Oranges of Sicily) to China, thanks to the support of Italy’s Ministry of Agriculture (MIPAAFT) and the District of Sicilian Citrus fruits. The Red Orange of Sicily is one of the most important food treasures in Italy and Europe. It will be positioned in a premium, high-quality market segment and distributed over the next few weeks. Initially through Mr Fresh of Tmall, one of the Group’s online marketplaces with 637 million active Chinese consumers, and Freshippo, the ‘New Retail’ supermarket chain of the Alibaba group. Last December, the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding between MIPAAFT – ICQRF and Alibaba was signed in Milan.
THE COMMITMENT OF ALIBABA AND ITALY
“For the Italian team of Alibaba, the last two years have been a period of intense work alongside the Ministry of Agriculture and the District of Sicilian Citrus fruits. We are therefore very proud to be able to enhance today, also in an important market such as China, a strategic supply chain as that of the Red Oranges of Sicily – said Rodrigo Cipriani Foresio, Managing Director Alibaba Group for Italy, Spain, Greece and Portugal and General Manager Europe, Tmall Business Development -. We are very confident that Chinese consumers will appreciate this Italian excellent product. Moreover, the Mediterranean diet is increasingly appreciated in Asia for its proven health benefits, and orange is one of the protagonists. The first loads of oranges – added Cipriani Foresio – purchased from Oranfrizer and Pannitteri companies (with Rosaria brand), will travel on two routes, respectively by ship and by air, to test the best way to guarantee Chinese consumers a product that is up to its renowned quality.”
A NEW MARKET FOR ITALY’S FRUITS
The Italian Minister of Agriculture Gian Marco Centinaio said: “Today, with the landing of the first shipments of Sicilian red oranges in China, a new market officially opens with great potential for our exports and for the entire Citrus district of Sicily. The possibility of exporting Sicilian oranges through the largest e-commerce platform in China is certainly a further guarantee. Both for Italian producers, who thus have the opportunity to win new market shares, and for consumers, to whom we guarantee that these oranges are authentic Red Oranges of Sicily PGI, 100% Made in Italy.”
