Mexico: Storms decrease citrus production in Colima

Colima, an area that has been affected by the HLB (Yellow Dragon) scourge, which caused the loss of many acres of citrus in the Tecomán area, significantly reducing production, has also been affected by two tropical storms that brought heavy rains and floods.

Maria del Carmen Ochoa, General Director of the Limones Sicar company, reported that, currently, only 15,000 hectares out of the 33,000 there used to be are productive.

Regarding the rains, she explains that, "Fortunately our area is very sandy, but producers with more compact land have had to pump the water out, which can be somewhat problematic as not everybody has the means to do so, and for those who can afford it, the process entails higher production costs."

Maria del Carmen's company will have a drop in production due to the HLB and the rains, from 47,000 tonnes last year to a maximum of 29,000 this season. "On the bright side, this will benefit our producers." In August 2012 the average purchase price was $1.95/kilo, whereas in 2013 the average for the same month was $4.00/kilo. "There won't be enough production from Colima to cope with the demand, so we'll look for markets that offer a better price in order to benefit our suppliers," said Maria del Carmen.

Limones Sicar is mainly involved in the production of sour limes with seeds, a variety of Mexican green lime, smaller than the Persian variety, which is mouth-watering due to its unique and exquisite flavour. The company cultivates a total of 800 hectares both owned and leased, reaching a production of 100-120 tonnes per season, a quarter of which are not suitable for packaging, and are destined for the industry.

40% of their fresh production goes to the U.S. market and almost all of the rest is for the domestic market, apart from a small part which is exported to Japan by air. "The Japanese market is very demanding, and although shipments are small, they are made continuously, which has taught us to always maintain the highest standards of quality," said Maria del Carmen.

The firm has also received inquiries from potential customers in Malaysia and Russia and is considering entering these markets.

The company's products are sold under the Sicar, Limex Sicar, and Los Amigos y Limones del Carmen brands. Their main goal is to exceed their customers' expectations by giving them Mexican limes of the highest quality, a timely delivery and competitive prices. The firm is certified by Mexico Calidad Suprema (MCS), Senasica, Primus Labs, Intertek and CTPAT.

Limones Sicar representatives will be present at the next edition of the PMA, which will take place in New Orleans from October 18 to the 20.