One year after its official presentation in Italy, the new Clemenlola variety of early-season clementines has met all expectations for the Mediterranean citrus crop campaign in terms of production and expansion of planted areas in southern Italy.

After years of testing and development, the first Italian plantings have finally become a reality. In parallel, Spain has expanded the area under cultivation and achieved excellent agronomic performance. The first Italian plantings were completed in 2024, and the first domestic production is expected to begin in fall 2027. Producers have responded positively, attracted by the variety’s characteristics and the guarantees of a club system that prioritizes quality, control, and long-term value,” says Aldo Gallo, director of the Apulian company Comercial Gallo. The company distributes the patent for this new super-early variety in Italy. A limited number of licenses has been set at 120 thousand plants, or just under 200 hectares.

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Trials conducted in Spain, which have now been extended to more areas, confirm the variety’s early ripening, consistent production over the years, and excellent flavor. These are fundamental parameters for a cultivar destined for the high-end market.

Compared to Oronules, Clemenlola stands out for its early ripening. It produces consistent fruit size and has an ideal sugar-to-acid ratio, appealing to both domestic and export markets.

© Comercial Gallo

Its distinctive shape makes it easily identifiable on the shelf, giving it a uniform appearance that favors premium gauges. The ripening index (RI — Brix/acidity ratio) is around 16 points.

© Comercial Gallo

© Comercial Gallo“These results are not a coincidence,” Gallo clarifies. “A long period of experimentation preceded the patenting and marketing of the Clemenlola, and this experimentation is indispensable to ensuring varietal stability and uniformity in propagation. These aspects are especially crucial in cases of varietal mutations, where genetic consistency is essential for consistent performance.”

In an investment environment marked by uncertainty and risk, Clemenlola provides some level of reassurance. Its performance has been evaluated over the course of five years through trials in various cultivation areas using certified propagation material. These results give growers a foundation on which to base their decisions about participating in the project.

Like all club varieties, Clemenlola is based on a controlled management system with limited licenses in Spain and Italy, as well as strict propagation control. “This model protects the variety, ensures the product’s value and uniformity, and creates a balanced ecosystem between producers and traders. A year later, Clemenlola has shown consistent performance and potential as a variety and may offer new possibilities for Mediterranean clementine cultivation,” concludes the director.

For more information:
Comercial Gallo Srl
Sp 103 c.da Furnoli
74016 Massafra (Taranto) – Italy
(+39) 336 828235
[email protected]
comercialgallo.com