"Spain: "Prices will rise more noticeably with the arrival of the Clemenules"

The citrus campaign has already started in the south of Catalonia. "Two weeks ago, we started marketing the first Clemenrubi, Orogross and Oronul mandarins," explains Alfons Royo, manager of Royo Fruits, a company that is launching new and larger facilities this season to be able to cope with its growing exports.

Sales were slow at the beginning of the season, although they have improved a little with the arrival of varieties like the Marisol or Arrufatina. "We hope sales will rebound with the arrival of the cold and the Clemenules. Apparently, the last batches of late mandarins from the southern hemisphere have had quality problems, which has also helped us market our goods better."

While the prices of clementines are already higher than last season, Alfons Royo believes that the biggest increase will be recorded with the arrival of the Clemenules this week. Prospects point to a 30% drop in the Clemenules production this campaign. This variety is the most common in Castellon and Tarragona and accounts for between 40 and 50% of Royo Fruits' sales.

"It is true that in the south of Tarragona there is a slight decrease in the volume of early varieties, although the Clemenules is the most affected by heat stroke and is also recording the sharpest drop in the production, so we expect higher prices, taking also into account that it is the most appreciated clementine in the market. In my opinion, there is no free variety that can replace the Clemenules."

It should be noted that despite the decline, "the calibres of the Clemenules are greater than last season, so this could also compensate us to some extent," added Royo.

Royo Fruits will start harvesting the first Navelina oranges this week in Alcudia, while the first oranges will arrive in November in the south of Tarragona. There will also be fewer oranges than last year, but the decline will not be as pronounced as in the case of clementines.

The Catalan company ships its mandarins to France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Nordic countries and Switzerland in Europe, as well as to Canada and the United States. As far as the oranges are concerned, we can go further, with destinations like Saudi Arabia or China. Moreover, they have the brand "La Reserva de l'aviat" for the sale of their Navelate oranges in supermarkets in Catalonia.

For more information:
Alfons Royo
Royo Fruits SL
T: +34 977 71 91 51
M: +34 655 162 643
royofruits@royofruits.com
www.royofruits.com