Are there Regional Differences in the Quality Perception of Fresh Citruses? A Preliminary Study on Italian Consumers

Citrus fruits are among the most important crops for Italy both in terms of production and the area invested but their consumption appears to be slightly down and an in-depth study of their potential in the market becomes necessary in view of a relaunch in commercial terms.The aim of this survey was to investigate the main aspects of consumption, through the analysis of the dynamics related to the process of buying fresh citrus fruits, looking at a sample of consumers from northern Italy and a sample of consumers from southern Italy.In order to comply with the lines of research, the surveys were conducted in two different areas: the first located in northern Italy, particularly in the metropolitan areas of Milan (MI) and Turin (TO), and the second in the Calabria region, in the five different provinces. A total of 846 face-to-face surveys were carried out: 346 units in northern Italy and 500 in southern Italy.Citrus fruits confirm their 'health function' as they are strongly associated with nutritional and health benefits. Oranges and clementines have almost similar levels of appreciation in both areas, even for mandarins there are no particular differences, although perhaps in northern Italy there is a slightly higher appreciation. Among other citrus fruits only lemons show a certain degree of appreciation, while minor citrus fruits such as grapefruits, citrons, bergamots, and limes do not seem to significantly attract the sample considered in any of the areas examined.