AILIMPO's initial estimate for the 2014-2015 campaign points to Spain's lemon harvest reaching 970,000 tonnes; a similar figure to last season, although the final volume will depend on rainfall and the availability of water for irrigation.
The 2013/14 campaign finished with a total production of 994,000 tonnes, setting a record for fresh exports (590,000 tonnes), with growth in all major markets and satisfactory results for the whole sector in Murcia, Valencia and Andalusia.
This is a harvest estimate that AILIMPO's director, José Antonio García rates as "normal and stable in terms of tonnage and very good in terms of quality, which will ensure the proper supply of all European markets."
This year, the lemon season in Spain is starting about two weeks earlier than usual because of the mild summer temperatures, although volumes will only start becoming significant by October.
Just like last season, the lemon production is expected to be absorbed by the fresh market, both for export and domestic sales, as well as the processing industry for the production of juices and essential oils.
According to Jose Antonio Garcia, the start of the season is marked by the early finish of the campaign in the southern hemisphere, mainly Argentina, Uruguay and South Africa. Moreover, "although its impact in the EU is limited, it will be necessary to compete with Turkish lemons, especially in the Eastern markets. Turkey also expects an average production volume, and with its low production costs and governmental subsidies, its exporters usually have a competitive advantage."
Russian veto only affecting 3% of lemon exports
The Russian veto will not have an impact on the start of the campaign, as exports to this market usually start in March and represent around 3% of the total export volume.
"This particular situation in Russia should not affect any other markets in terms of production or sales," said José Antonio García. However, he notes that "AILIMPO has requested the inclusion of lemons in the list of affected products in order to create a positive environment, so that everyone knows from the beginning that there is a European mechanism that could be activated if problems arise. Ultimately, the idea is to prevent price speculation from anyone aiming to take advantage of the situation."
Lemon production in Spain by years
Campaign| Campaña | 2010/2011 | 2011/2012 | 2012/2013 | 2013/2014* | 2014/2015** |
| Producción | 936.000 t | 977.000 t | 830.000 t | 994.000 t | 970.000 t |
Production