At the moment, Chile and Peru are the main suppliers of mandarins to the US market as domestic production doesn’t start until the fall. “We imported clementines from Chile between week 21 (May 20th) and week 35 (end of August),” says Allan Dodge with Pro Citrus Network. Around week 30, shipments of W. Murcotts departed Chile and Peru, so we have about a three-week overlap between the two mandarin varieties.”
Increased shipments
Clementine shipments from Chile increased about 10 percent over last season while shipments of W. Murcotts from Chile are expected to increase by 40 percent over last year. “Chile moves a lot of volume at the time Peru and Uruguay finish up their seasons,” said Dodge. “The increased shipments are caused by a tremendous growth in demand for easy-peelers,” he added. Both Chile and Peru continue to increase mandarin acreage in response to growing sales.
Better store position
Growth in the easy-peeler category has partly been driven by consumers who are looking for a convenient, healthy piece of fruit. “However, in the store the category is being marketed in a much bigger way than it has ever been,” mentioned Dodge. “Today, easy-peelers receive a better store position and get more shelf space.”
PCN will continue its shipments from South America to the West Coast through the end of September in order not to overlap with California production. The citrus industry will see arrivals from South America into Houston until the end of October while the East Coast will continue through mid-November.
For more information:
Allan Dodge
Pro Citrus Network
Tel: (+1) 559-735-3100