Argentina's lemon production makes the country one of the leading growers worldwide. This year, however, climate changes have been affecting the normal development of the campaign. "As a result of the large amount of rainfall in the production areas during the months of April and May, the cargo volume expected for that period has fallen. The initial harvest and export prospects had predicted that the campaign would start 6 weeks earlier than in 2015. It was only with many difficulties that it was possible to start as scheduled, with a reduction in the final volumes shipped," affirms Diego Décima, general director of Frutucumán.
"Also, due to the continuous rains, we could only harvest during an average of 3 out of 7 days per week. In some cases, it was not possible to harvest any fruit for two whole weeks, so the production was very slow in April and May. Assuming that the consumer does not consume twice as much just because they did not consume before, the losses caused by the delays won't be recovered. It is estimated that exports could decrease compared to initial projections," states Décima.
"Furthermore, given the 60% fall in the production of Spanish Verna lemons compared to last season and the impossibility of shipping from Argentina, the situation has become difficult for the producers, who wish to meet the market demand in the expected periods. The delays and lack of volume have led to shortages in the market which are not beneficial to anyone. But we, the producers, are the ones failing to "fulfil" the requirements of our customers and facing higher costs, "concludes the spokesperson of the Argentinian company.
For more information:
Diego Décima
Frutucumán
T: +54 93816815697