The distressing shortage of lemon is causing sky high prices. "Lemons are being supplied in dribs and drabs and are barely touching the ground. Last week the prices were around 37/38 Euro for 18 kilo and the expectation is that this will rise further in the coming days. It looks like the prices will rise above 40 Euro at the end of this week. Some importers are already asking for these prices," says Dirk Biltereyst of importer Van Lier.
Less production
"Argentina is on the market at the moment and due to the extreme weather conditions there is less and damaged production. They had to deal with extreme rainfall due to which a large percent of the harvest isn't suitable for export. On top of this the production of Spanish Verna lemons was very low, due to which there are now shortages on the markets."
Who will pay such a high price for lemons? Dirk: "Lemons are a product most people need. Catering in particular us a big buyer in lemons and they generally only serve a quarter or half lemon, so it doesn't have that large an impact on their costing price."
Exceptional
He expects this exceptional market situation for lemons to hold up for now. "There will be a shortage for all the overseas season and we can't expect a lot of production from European countries before the start of October, so until then the market will likely remain hot. But you never know in fruit and veg."
Exceptional
He expects this exceptional market situation for lemons to hold up for now. "There will be a shortage for all the overseas season and we can't expect a lot of production from European countries before the start of October, so until then the market will likely remain hot. But you never know in fruit and veg."