Bergamot: From the field to the supply chain, the value of growing together

Mario Ianno's Bergamot Orchard After Transplant

The sunset over the Strait of Messina marks the conclusion of the day in Mario Iannò’s bergamot orchard. After visiting a processing facility near Reggio Calabria, we return among the trees to share our impressions and reflect on the prospects for this crop. More than fifty participants, including growers, technicians and processors, took part in a valuable opportunity for practical discussion and exchange.

Mario Ianno's Bergamot orchard two years after transplanting

Mario recalls the initial doubts, when the land was overgrown with weeds and imagining a modern orchard seemed almost utopian. Today, the trees reflect a transformation built through technical guidance and daily commitment. The raised-bed planting system, the double drip line, trunk protection and canopy management are all components of a project adapted to the characteristics of the plot. The result stems from the consistency of these choices and the continuity of the work.

Linee per la lavorazione dei frutti di Bergamotto 

Precisely when faced with a promising orchard, it is essential to look beyond the field. Production must translate into economic value and satisfaction for the grower. The relationship with the processing industry needs to be established in advance, with a shared understanding of quality requirements, harvest planning and remuneration criteria.

In discussions with processing operators, the aromatic profile of bergamot emerges as one of its key assets. Linalool and Linalyl acetate contribute to the floral nuances of the essential oil, complementing its more typically citrus characteristics. A study by the University of Bologna, published in the Flavour and Fragrance Journal, found, under the conditions investigated, higher levels of linalool in the Femminello cultivar and higher levels of linalyl acetate in Fantastico. The timing of harvest also influenced several volatile compounds, providing valuable information for linking agronomic decisions with the requirements of the processing industry.

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The connection with the territory therefore acquires a concrete meaning: identifiable origin, expertise and documented quality characteristics. The proximity between the orchard and the processing facility also creates an opportunity to coordinate harvesting and processing, allowing the product to be monitored throughout the supply chain.

Alongside essential oil, bergamot juice also offers interesting prospects. A study published in the international journal Antioxidants shows how cultivar and harvest timing influence both yield and quality. Valuing the different components of the fruit therefore requires coordinated planning capable of translating scientific knowledge into practical decisions.

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The day concludes with a commitment to organise further meetings both in the field and at processing facilities, focusing on pruning, orchard management and product processing. Mario’s experience demonstrates what trust and consistent work can achieve. The same determination is now needed to transform the quality cultivated in the field into income and a sustainable future for the territory.

Editorial Note

Original content by Agronomist Dr. Vito Vitelli, developed and optimised with the support of artificial intelligence tools for educational, informational and technical enhancement purposes.

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