First organic clementines at Waitrose Waitrose boosted its Spanish citrus selection early this season with the first commercial volumes of organic clementines from a valley south of Valencia. They are grown and packed by Alberto Torres Jnr who believes the groves are the only ones grown from scratch, rather than through the normal conversion method. Torres said: "Initial costs have been quadruple those of growing conventional easy peelers. "Even when trees reach full maturity in about three years when yields will triple, they will still be high. We could not have attempted it without Waitrose's support." The initial 24 hectares of clemenpons and clemenules, the UK's most popular easy peelers, were planted in 1997 after soil testing, driving in roadways and then terracing and irrigating. Paul Olins, category manager for supplier Poupart, said: "The initial results have been excellent. "The taste was really special, and getting the right Brix ratio ­ the balance between sugar and acidity ­ is no problem as the clementines ripen naturally." During the season, the fruit was promoted using national media as well as in store. {{FRESH PRODUCE }}

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