Right now the citrus market is stable, "There is a good supply and stable sales. There are only shortages with the small oranges, but we already knew about that due to the warm weather Spain was having. The orange market has been stable since the beginning of the season. The price for the more common brands are around 8-8.50 Euro. For brands like Serena the price goes up to 10-11 Euro. Customers value consistent quality," says Willem Koole from Frukar.
The importer expects higher prices during the second half of the orange season, "In about three weeks we will stop with the Navelina's and move on to later types. There could be a good market for these later types because there are a lot less of them. I am not hearing much from Egypt this year about the European market. I feel like this may be hearsay within Europe."
In December the mandarin orange market did not do well. As of now, it is still struggling, "This is well in line with what was expected. We are now switching over to Clemenvilla, next week we move on Hernandina, and later to Nadorcott. Morocco has just come on the market with Nour mandarins, which will be followed by Afourer. Prices for the mandarins are around 9 to 10.50. Each year the mandarins are more expensive during the second half of the season due to the big boom of Clemenules that are harvested during this time," says Willem.