Rain last week slowed down California's orange growers, but, because wet weather only lasted for a few days, production has gotten back to normal. There are fewer larger pieces of fruit, though the market for all sizes remains steady.
“The rain shut us down for about three days, but that won't affect production over the long run,” said Derek Vaughn with Johnston Farms in Bakersfield, California. “Volumes were great before then, and now I'd say volumes for the season are pretty average.” The market has been steady, despite last week's brief supply hiccup. On January 13, prices for a carton of Navel 40s from California were between $18.80 and $20.90.
Sizes skewed smaller this season, especially at the start of the season. But Vaughn believes the mix of sizes has levelled off as the season has progressed. Exports were doing well through December, though demand from Pacific Rim countries has cooled down, as it often does for this time of year.
New box from Johnston Farms
California's Navel season will likely last through March, and that's when Johnston Farms will debut a new box for their Autumn Gold and Lane Late oranges. The box will feature new graphics, and it will be the permanent box used for Johnston Farms' oranges after the 2015-2016 season.
For more information:
Derek Vaughn
Johnston Farms
+1 661 366 3201