Discover the Algarve's Citrus Treasures at Lisbon's Tourism Fair

CCDR Algarve's President José Apolinário and Vice-President Pedro Valadas Monteiro will participate in the event “Citrinos do Algarve – IGP, a valuable asset for promoting tourism in the region” on March 12 at 14:00 at the BTL – Better Tourism Lisbon Travel Market 2025. This initiative, in partnership with AlgarOrange and the Algarve Tourism Region, aims to enhance the visibility of Algarve's citrus fruits.

The event will kick off with a presentation of a study on the perception and consumption of Algarve oranges, developed by students from the University of Algarve. Attendees will also enjoy a tasting session featuring innovative cocktails made with Algarve oranges and other local agro-food products, curated by the Vila Real de Santo António School of Hospitality and Tourism in collaboration with AlgarOrange.

AlgarOrange, founded in 2018, is a non-profit organization representing Algarve's citrus producers, accounting for approximately 40% of the region's citrus production and 30% of national production. The Algarve is home to the largest citrus production in Portugal, with 87% of the country’s orange production occurring here. The 2023-2024 campaign has seen a 10% increase in productivity compared to the last decade.

This production generates an annual revenue of €180 million. In 2023, regional fruit exports exceeded €107.5 million, making up 37% of Algarve's exports, with oranges being the third most exported fruit in Portugal. 90% of these exports go to the European market, particularly to Spain, France, and Poland.

The EU-regulated label ensures the authenticity of the product. The Citrinos do Algarve IGP (Protected Geographical Indication) boasts unique characteristics such as a thin, colorful peel and high juice content. In the last decade, the IGP certification has significantly contributed to the growth of Algarve’s agro-food sector, with a record of 64,000 tons of IGP Citrus sold in the 2023/24 campaign, marking a 360% increase since 2016/17.

With support from European funds, the citrus sector has undergone transformations, investing in production technologies, including efficient irrigation management and fruit processing for commercialization.

The initiative “Citrinos do Algarve – IGP, a valuable asset for promoting tourism in the region” is part of the PDR2020-20.2-FEADER-092942 (Technical Assistance RRN 2023) program.

Source: CCDR Algarve