The award is unique in that it is determined exclusively through blind tastings conducted by end consumers, rather than voting or expert panels. Over the years, the Flavour of the Year seal has demonstrated a strong impact on brand visibility and sales performance, making it a highly sought-after recognition within the industry.

The evaluation process involved up to 80 regular consumers in the mandarin category, who took part in blind tastings at accredited sensory analysis laboratories. Participants assessed the products across four key criteria — appearance, texture, aroma and flavour — with Tango Fruit mandarins achieving the highest overall satisfaction score.

The tastings were conducted under strict conditions, in ISO 8589-compliant laboratories equipped with individual booths and separate preparation areas. Only products scoring six or above out of ten were eligible for nomination, with the highest-scoring product receiving the award.

Global Quality, the organisation behind the Flavour of the Year programme, will formally present the award to Eurosemillas, the operator of Tango Fruit, during dedicated gala ceremonies. The Spanish event will be held on 21 January at Barcelona’s Gran Teatre del Liceu, while the Portuguese ceremony is scheduled for 5 February at Lisbon’s Mercado da Ribeira.

Beyond achieving top scores in all sensory categories, Tango Fruit also led in purchase intention in both countries. In Spain, 89% of participants stated they would probably or definitely buy the product, while in Portugal, the figure reached 80%. The results build on Tango Fruit’s recent strong commercial performance, with the brand recording double-digit growth across European Union markets and South Africa.

According to the Spanish evaluation report, Tango Fruit was already among the six most recognised citrus brands recalled by participants prior to the blind tastings, providing a solid baseline for its performance in the competition.

This marked the first time Eurosemillas had entered the Flavour of the Year competition in either Spain or Portugal. The company, which owns the rights to the Tang Gold variety — marketed under the Tango Fruit brand — now takes the lead in the mandarin category, succeeding the long-established Torres brand. Torres, now part of Iberian Premium Fruits, had held the title for three consecutive years from 2023 to 2025 for both mandarins and oranges.

Ana Cano, Chief Executive Officer of Eurosemillas, described the award as a significant milestone for the brand. She said it represents a strong endorsement of both the Tango variety and the Tango Fruit brand, underlining the objective quality of the mandarin and reinforcing confidence among citrus growers working with the company.

Data from previous award-winning products indicates that the Flavour of the Year seal strengthens perceptions of quality and taste, enhances brand recognition and consumer trust, and encourages trial and repeat purchase, providing a clear competitive advantage in the marketplace.