IT is little secret that the Riverland is known for its citrus production, and it’s something deeply rooted in the lives of growers across the region.

The region’s climate is one of the key reasons helping produce some of the freshest citrus in the world, and Venus Citrus, in Loxton, has been a driving force since it’s establishment in 1977.

Venus Citrus is located 257km from the Adelaide CBD, and has grown from a humble family operation, first generated by Peter Costi, into a thriving business with reach all over the world.

Known for its premium quality oranges, lemons, and mandarins, the company has built its reputation on community, innovation, sustainability, and consistency.

In an age where consumer demand for fresh products is at an all-time high, Venus Citrus is taking the expectations of its customers to the next level.

Venus Citrus’ marketing sales manager Maria Costi said production continues to grow for the business, and 2025 has been one of the biggest yet.

“We’re expecting to process in excess of 25,000 ton this season,” Ms Costi said.

“That is an increase of approximately 20 per cent this seasion, and this is due to an increase in volume of varieties such as Cara Cara, Afourer, and Ippolitio Blood Oranges.

“We do have a new variety of blood oranges – Ippolitio Seedless Blood Orange – developed in Sicily.

“There is always the possibility for growth and expansion in the growing, packing and marketing side of the business.”

When Mr Costi moved to the Riverland with his family in the 1970s, he soon established himself as a grower in the region, and began packing his own fruit, and selling it at the Melbourne market.

In 1977, a citrus packing shed on Loxton’s Gratwick Road went on the market, and Mr Costi made a purchase, and started the company ‘P. Costi and Sons’, followed by registering the brand name of Venus Citrus.

Fast forwarding to 2025, Ms Costi said the company is looking to tap into emerging markets right across the globe.

“At the moment we supply to all states in Australia, and to all of the main supermarkets,” she said.

“The key markets for export globally are Japan, the USA, and China.

“Europe and the Middle East are definitely markets that we feel have the most potential for growth.

“Our packhouse, and several of our growers have been Freshcare Environmentally Certified since 2014.

“We are very focused and passionate about this and are working with all of our growers to get them all environmentally certified in the next couple of years.”

Having an emphasis on health and sustainability have been some of the most important values which Venus Citrus chooses to uphold.

Managing director Eleni Aggeletos said “my personal passion has always been caring for our environment and eating good, clean, healthy products grown as nature had intended.”

Venus Citrus have also long been involved in the Riverland community, and recently supplied junior netballers with refreshments at the SA Country Championships carnival held in June.

“In terms of environmental sustainability, reduction is the application of synthetic chemicals and fertilisers,” Ms Costi said.

“Having clean air, as well as less pesticides and exhaust pollutions gives us an increase in biodiversity.

“It is very important for us to be involved in the community, and we are major sponsors in several sporting clubs in the area.

“We have also partnered up with the McGrath Foundation this year.”