Superior Taste Award helps secure citrus producer’s premium positioning

Orri Mandarines has leveraged the Superior Taste Award to validate its product’s stand-out taste profile and strengthen its position in competitive international markets. Through consistent recognition —including the prestigious Crystal Taste Award—the brand transformed their endorsement into a strategic growth driver.

Discover how getting evaluated helped a mandarin producer differentiate by validating taste as its defining attribute.

SITUATION: Seeking concrete validation of taste

Orri first submitted their product in 2023 to the taste evaluations. Their objective: secure an independent, expert validation of the claim that their mandarins delivered a distinctive taste experience.

Operating in a competitive category where price and appearance often dominate purchasing decisions, Orri sought to differentiate through what matters most to consumers: taste. The brand turned to an impartial sensory evaluation carried out by internationally renowned chefs and taste experts.

“We wanted an internationally recognized sensory benchmark to confirm, impartially, the reality of the ORRi mandarin’s flavor” explains Guillermo Soler, Manager.

 

SOLUTIONS: A strategic tool for BtoB discussions

Following the taste evaluations (conducted following a strict blind tasting methodology), the jury recognized the outstanding taste of the mandarins with 3 stars. It scored exceptionally well on all evaluation criteria: first impression, vision, olfaction, taste, and texture. In their evaluation report, they were deemed “a fantastic product with a perfect harmony between sweet and sour flavors” by the jury, adding that “the mouthfeel was juicy and refreshing.” The product went on to achieve the prestigious Crystal Taste Award, further solidifying their commitment to taste.

The Crystal Taste Award is granted to products that have been awarded 3 stars 3 years in a row.

The taste evaluation results provided the producer with the validation they were seeking. More importantly, they obtained a strategic communication and sales tool to support their claims around their product’s superior taste.

Orri incorporated the award into its full communication ecosystem—from packaging and point-of-sale materials to digital campaigns and corporate presentations.

In parallel, the award was utilized for BtoB, supporting discussions with retailers, importers, and distributors.

“The award has become a key asset in our BtoB communication, providing an immediate and credible argument that supports ORRi’s premium positioning.”

— Guillermo Soler, Manager

 

At food fairs, the Crystal Taste Award served as a compelling visual proof point, attracting attention and facilitating high-value conversations with buyers and industry stakeholders.

OUTCOMES: Increased trust and access to premium retailers

Over three years of recognition, Orri has strengthened its credibility in international markets. The reputation of the Superior Taste Award enabled the producer to access premium retail channels and expand its presence across Europe.

Consumer trust and awareness of the variety have also increased thanks to the award. According to the producer, it simplifies the purchasing decision and reinforces loyalty, as consumers and distributors feel more confident choosing a product validated by experts.

“What’s important to highlight is that the International Taste Institute does not award a commercial brand, but rather the intrinsic flavor of a variety or product”, explains Guillermo Soler, Manager of ORRi. “This recognition reinforces our position as a mandarin valued for its superior flavor internationally."

Ultimately, the Superior Taste Award positioned Orri Mandarines as a benchmark for flavor excellence, driving market penetration, fostering long-term partnerships, and reinforcing its reputation as a premium variety.

Known by most actors in the F&B industry worldwide, the Superior Taste Award is an objective benchmark of superior taste, offering you strong support for business negotiations.

Learn how to get your product evaluated at our next blind tastings and potentially be endorsed by our international jury of top chefs and renowned sommeliers:

taste-institute.com/en/access/get-started