The citrus campaign in Valencia began a few weeks ago and many of the earliest varieties of mandarins from the Satsuma group have already been harvested, while the early clementine varieties, such as the Oronul, with which many companies decide to start the campaign, are already being marketed.
"We have started the campaign with Oronul clementines, a variety that stands out at the beginning of the campaign because of its color, sugar level, and juice," said Cristina Companys, of Tollupol.
The forecasts for Valencia's 2017/2018 citrus campaign are 25% lower than last season, which is being reflected in prices.
"Each campaign is different. This year there is a rush in the markets to have clementines. Customers are eager to start with clementine, and this is evident. The high temperatures and the drought that we are having in the Valencian Community have influenced the already falling production of mandarins, which of course implies a substantial increase of prices in the field, but we must also say that we are collecting fruit of the highest quality."
Tollupol has a sales stand for its citrus fruits in Mercabarna, in Barcelona. When asked if the current political situation in Catalonia has directly or indirectly affected sales of fruit and vegetables, Cristina said: "The truth? And I'm not saying this ironically ... sales have increased since these events took place."