"Spain: "Having a smaller citrus production and larger calibres is always good"

The heat waves recorded this summer are expected to have had an impact on the production volumes of the upcoming clementine, mandarin and orange campaigns in the Region of Valencia. The high temperatures caused some skin burns, as well as the fall of that fruit from the trees.

"At the moment, there is a lower load of early mandarins on the trees," explains Abel Alarcón, manager of Brio Fruits. Although we have realised that the orange production will also fall in terms of volume, even the Valencias," he adds.

The weather conditions are much better now and the fact that the trees have a lower load will be positively reflected in the calibres. "We will have a smaller production, but larger calibres, since there are fewer pieces per tree."

It is worth recalling that last season was marked by complications with the calibres at the end of the orange season, as in the case of the Valencia.

"Despite the heat waves and the dry summer, this campaign, compared to the previous one, we are having fewer problems with the water supply, since the torrential rains in spring have helped keep the reservoirs full. This year, our access to water is not limited," he points out.

According to Abel Alarcón, "it is still too early to know what impact this will have on the citrus trade, but having a smaller production and better calibres is always good as far as sales are concerned."

Brio Fruits, the brand for which the Valencian company Agrios Selectos is known, will hit the market in late September with the first clementines Clemen Rubi and other equivalent varieties.