Cyprus

Cyprus Embassy Trade Center

13 East 40th Street New York 10016
Telephone: (212) 213-9100 Fax (212) 213-2918
E-mail: ctcny@cyprustradeny.org
www.cyprustradeny.org

Cyprus starts Mandoras Exports to the United States

New York – April 16 2002 – With a solid reputation of exporting citrus of exceptional quality to Europe, Cyprus is now exporting, for the first time, Mandoras and lemons to the United States and Canada.

“Exporting citrus to the US has not only been a case in diversifying from our traditional markets of Europe, but also posed a challenge,” says Cyprus Trade Commissioner Dennis Droushiotis. The challenges, which were met successfully by agriculture inspectors in Cyprus, had to do primarily with the procedure of cold treatment, as outlined by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Upon their training mission to Cyprus, USDA inspectors were pleasantly surprised to find colleagues who ‘spoke the same language’. The rigorous methods outlined by the USDA were met and surpassed by Cyprus produce inspectors, assuring that every shipment destined for the United States complies with the highest standards.

“Not only are citrus producers in Cyprus flexible, they command an enviable reputation throughout Europe. A reputation for being adaptable and efficient that they’ve built and improved upon over 40 years,” notes Dennis Droushiotis, adding, “it was no surprise to me, therefore, to get such positive feedback from the USDA experts who find that their training trip to Cyprus went without a hitch. For us it’s simply a matter of making sure our various markets and their needs are serviced as efficiently as possible.”

The export drive is spearheaded by lemons and the versatile Mandora. “What sets the Mandora apart from other citrus is its exceptionally high percentage of juice of over 60%,” noted importer Dennis Cohen of SA Direct Fruit, LLC. This high quality hybrid excels in appearance and smell, while the high concentration of juice maintains its taste far longer than other citrus.

A soft peeler, the Mandora results form 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.

Cypria® brand Mandoras and lemons are pre-stickered and peel-u coded in Cyprus and thus offer the necessary ease and convenience required by retailers in the US and Canada.

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.