The start of the Spanish Primofiori lemon season is just around the corner, while the market still has moderate volumes of lemons from the southern hemisphere, especially from Argentina. The transition between both hemispheres has taken place quietly these past few weeks, although their sights are set on the start of the Spanish campaign.
"It is common for distribution chains to ask us to speed up the start of the Primofriori lemon harvest. At Frugarva, we usually try to respond to this, although in general, the field has its own pace. The fruit still has to grow and reach the right commercial caliber, and this will still take a few essential weeks. For our part, and in line with our "Spanish Lemon 12 Months" program, we cover this need for those clients who want to capture their value," explains Maite González, Head of Business Development at Frugarva. The Murcian company expects to market the first batches within two weeks, foreseeing an efficient, but complex, management of the calibers and, therefore, aimed at customers seeking this added value.
The lemon market is stable at this time, according to Maite. "There were perhaps some weeks this summer when the situation became a bit tense, although this happened only rarely. After a Verna lemon campaign in which we have managed to maintain our volumes, despite overall drops in the harvest of around 40%, we can say that there has been no lack of overseas product. The purchase prices of this fruit have reached high levels, although the market is and has remained stable."
As for the opening prices of the Spanish campaign, interesting levels are expected, as there is a constant strive to defend the margins. "The fact that European retailers want to start the campaign earlier only has an impact for two weeks of the whole season. If we want a sustainable profitability for all, the producer also has to think about stability, instead of clinging on to previous campaigns marked by different circumstances, like two years ago, when the production volume fell significantly," says the exporter.
The Murcian company has around 500 hectares devoted to its own lemon production, and it also markets the fruit of other producers, as long as it meets the same quality parameters. The main destinations for those lemons are the domestic market, EU countries, Scandinavian and Eastern countries, and thanks to its certified farms, other distant destinations, such as Canada, the United States, Africa and Asia.
For more information:
Maite González
Frugarva