NEW YORK
In addition to a solid reputation of exporting citrus of exceptional quality to Europe, Cyprus continues its exports of Mandoras to the United States and Canada, with the latter having imported over 200 tons last month alone.

“We’re simply following up on the resounding success of last year’s first ever exports of citrus to the US. Making inroads in a new market posed a number of challenges which were met successfully have the benefit of spreading our solid reputation as a citrus exporter to both the United States and Canada,” says Cyprus Trade Commissioner Dennis Droushiotis. The original challenge was met successfully by agriculture inspectors in Cyprus, as they seamlessly integrated the procedure of cold treatment outlined by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Upon their training mission to Cyprus, USDA inspectors were impressed to find colleagues who so readily rose to a new set of challenges. The rigorous methods outlined by the USDA have since been taken in stride by Cyprus produce inspectors, assuring that every shipment destined for the United States complies with exacting standards.

Last year’s export drive, spearheaded by lemons and the versatile Mandora, exceeded the expectations of both wholesalers and retailers alike. “What sets the Mandora apart, besides its exceptional quality, is an unusually high percentage of juice of over 60%,” noted John Catsimatidis, CEO of Gristede’s supermarkets in New York. This high quality hybrid excels in appearance and smell, while the high concentration of juice maintains its taste far longer than other citrus.

The Mandora results from the cross pollination of the mandarin and orange. It is cultivated in Cyprus, particularly in the west of the island where the ground conditions and climate are ideal. Its main qualities include excellent appearance and smell, a refreshing taste of both mandarin and orange, and the ease with which it can be segmented for snacks and salads, with new inroads being made in the restaurant and catering industries.

Mandoras are available now until May throughout the US and Canada, primarily in such markets as Los Angeles, Detroit, Chicago and Norfolk, while throughout New York City they are available in 62 Gristede’s Supermarkets. In Canada, Cyprus Mandoras can be found in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver.