The Western Australian citrus industry is hoping to build on last year's successful export figures, where it tripled in volume. The state began its citrus season earlier this month, and despite being slightly behind schedule, it is looking like being a strong year.
"The late start to the season has meant fighting off buyers until the fruit is ready," WA Citrus Industry Development Manager Bronwyn Walsh said. "The 2017 season for WA growers is looking good. It has started a few weeks later than normal due to prolonged flowering over the Spring, but still in time for providing halftime oranges for winter sports. The quality of fruit is good as haven't had to contend with summer storms or hail that can damage the external appearance of the fruit."
Photo Source: WA Citrus
Growing areas range from Kununurra in the north, to Harvey in the south, and Ms Walsh says production and volumes are increasing steadily each year.
"Particularly in new mandarins varieties that are easy-peel and seedless," she said. "The sweetness of our fruit will continue to meet consumer expectations as we test our fruit to check that it is ready to eat before it is picked."
While different Western Australian orange varieties are picked all year round, the peak of the citrus season is through the colder months of winter, until December. WA Citrus says demand is high across the state, especially at this time of year, and people are turning to the fresh and local message.
"WA consumers like to buy WA citrus because it is local and tastes good," Ms Walsh said. "Demand is also good over winter getting essential Vitamin C to fend off colds. Oranges are always popular for sport, cooking and juicing, mandarins for lunchboxes, grapefruit fresh or juicing and lemons and limes in cooking, teas and garnish."
Photo Source: WA Citrus
Clementines are the first mandarins on the market, and the Industry Development Manager says because they grow well in the west, the variety is always a good choice for consumers.
"They are popular around the world and production has increased in WA," she said. "Clementines are in supermarkets now. Imperial mandarins, a lighter coloured mandarin and unique to Australia, will be following clementines in a few weeks."
The domestic market continues to dominate WA supplies, but the export market is growing. Last year it entered into markets in the Asia region, including China.
For more information:Bronwyn Walsh
WA Citrus
Phone: +61 8 9368 3786