Spanish lemon production predicted at 980,000 for 2017

Ailimpo has launched its 3rd lemon and grapefruit forecast report for this running 2016/2017 season confirming the figures previously announced in September. The new report concludes that lemon crop goes back to average normal volumes achieved in the past with a forecast around one million tons after an extraordinary and abnormal 2015/2016 season. In the case of grapefruit, production remains stable with a slight decrease. Spanish sector will continue consolidating its leadership position in the European fresh market in terms of quantity, quality, food safety and excellent service.

Ailimpo comments on the season:
"2016/2017 Lemon season started with high returns at grower’s level and with significant delay due to heavy stocks from the southern hemisphere (SH). If we make the comparison between the new season and the normal reference season (2 years ago – 2014/2015 season), we see that the activity rate during the first part of the season going from September to December has been lower, with exports in the fresh market going down by 12%. In the case of processing activity, a reduction of 25% was achieved due lower availability of lemons for this purpose."

"Rains in December and January were positive in order to get good sizes. Snow and low temperatures during the third week of January did not cause damages. These 2 key elements allow us confirming the figures announced in September forecasting a total lemon production in Spain of 980.000 tons."

"For Verna Lemon variety an important crop is expected, going back to the path of normal volumes harvested during 2014/2015 season."

Ailimpo expects a normal recovery in the sector in the second part of the season in order to harvest all the expected crop to be sold both in the fresh and processed market. Nonetheless, they do not expect to achieve the 2014/2015 record volumes in both cases.

For more information:
Raúl Alcázar Vergara
Murica
Tel: +34 968 21 66 19
Fax: +34 968 22 09 47
informacion@ailimpo.com
www.ailimpo.com