Southern hemisphere citrus exports hindered by weather

Weather has brought about some difficulties for the Southern hemisphere citrus season. Heavy rains and cool weather have caused delays and lighter supplies from South America, while in South Africa, it's the lack of rain that has resulted in fruit not sizing up as much as the market would have hoped for.

"Argentina had really bad weather which had a detrimental impact on early pickings," said Dino Gallo of Agri-Mondo. "We are seeing better conditions now, but as a result of the earlier problems, shipments to Canada have been lighter than usual. Volume is down by 10 - 15 percent, which is not too excessive. However, there is estimated to be 20 percent more category 2 fruit than usual."

"In South Africa, there is a greater proportion of smaller sized fruit because of the drought they experienced earlier this year," he continued. "Fortunately, they have had plenty of rain to alleviate those drought conditions, however for the fruit we won't see a return to normal sizing until next season."

At this time of year, demand for citrus is hindered by the attention local summer fruit receives from retailers and consumers alike. Combined with plentiful supplies that are expected to arrive in the coming weeks, prices look set to ease by the end of the month and into August. However, demand is still present and prices should climb steadily again in early Fall. 

"Demand is there, but as we come into the heat of summer, it's becoming more difficult to move citrus as there is a lot more local fruit around," Gallo explained. "Prices are relatively stable right now but expected to decrease in August as demand drops off. Demand in Canada is predicted to pick up again in September which will likely cause prices to rise once again."

Currently, Agri-Mondo is working with its partners in an effort to bring the Cambria navel orange to Canada later this season. Gallo said the later-season navel has a good sugar level and stores well. "We want to introduce the Cambria into Canada for the first time this year," he shared. "Production begins in two weeks and therefore arrivals into Canada are expected in the second or third week of September. BRIX on the Cambria is easily 12 and going into 13 and 14. It has a slightly different shape and has excellent holding qualities, making it good for shipping and storage."

The company is also looking ahead and will be trialing a few other new varieties in small quantities. One of these is an easy-peeler with a reportedly high BRIX. "One of the new varieties of easy-peeler we will be trialing this year is the Sweet Fall, which has a BRIX averaging 16," Gallo said. "It's a later-season easy-peeler that is sweet and physically strong, with the time frame of availability between late October and mid November. We will be sampling one or two pallets this year and look to go into commercial production in two to three years should the trial be successful. It's important to build for the future and continually introduce new varieties."

For more information:

Dino Gallo 

Tel: +1 (450) 449-9899