Citrus to get expensive

From November the citrus market faced problems. Inexplicable according to importers. "In normal conditions November and December could occasionally be bad as well, but then in January the market improved again as the taste of oranges was at its very best then. But the recovery did not materialize. I cannot think of any excuse why one should not be able to sell oranges, but they are not being sold."
As a result of the cold and the rain in Spain there were a number of problems recently with citrus. "Citrus has a short exposure period. Morocco is pushing on the market and has a good quality, but the prices are bad. Also the sale of Turkish and Egyptian citrus is difficult" the importer continues. "We are now selling the Spanish Navel Late rather quickly. Also Salustiana's will be sold out soon and then we will have to wait for the Valencia's."
"The good demand during the last few weeks was for mandarins of good quality. The season of the Nour-mandarins started laboriously, but ended well. Also Afourer-mandarins met with a good demand despite the high price (12.50 to 14.50 Euro). Now the mandarin season is almost over" the trader tells.
According to importers it could become an expensive citrus year, however, because Europe expects a lot less citrus from the southern hemisphere. "In just about every citrus producing area a lot of rain fell. Because of this seven of the nine provinces in South Africa were under water and in some production areas hail caused a lot of damage. In addition there are also problems with black spot, as a result of which part of the volume cannot be exported."
Argentina, which will start loading Satsumas in week 10/11, had a bad year last year and now again expects quality problems. Australia as well had quite a number of problems and will only export a part. The Far East - normally an important export market for Australian citrus - will now be supplied by South African and South American countries. All in all I expect a lot less fruit to come to Europe!"