The citrus fruit processing sector is redefining its stock management strategies in anticipation of reduced production in the coming campaign. Salvatore Imbesi, manager of the sector, emphasised the importance of this type of planning, stating that: "Faced with juice orders in line with the period average for Italian and foreign customers, we have decided to stretch out some of the stocked product in anticipation of a lower expected production that will probably characterise the next marketing year. This is to avert the possibility of not being able to satisfy the demands of our historical customers, with whom we have had contracts for more than a decade, during the 2026 season. This measure aims to ensure the continuity of supplies to long-term business partners."
© Concetta Di Lunardo | FreshPlaza.comLorena Smerlo, Salvatore Imbesi and Azzurra Gugliotta
If we analyse market demand, a good demand for blood orange juice is confirmed. "It is also evident that there is an increase in demand for pomegranate juice, which, although on the rise, is still limited in volume and still represents a niche market. Despite its properties, prickly pear juice is still being assessed by some Asian markets. A positive trend can be observed for lemon demand. After a period of very low quotations, there is now a significant increase in both demand and prices. This positive trend is mainly attributable to lower volumes available from other producing countries."
© Concetta Di Lunardo | FreshPlaza.com
The citrus fruit derivatives sector is significantly affected by the complexity related to the origin of the raw material. The influx of foreign products, especially from Spain and Greece, introduces elements of imbalance into the domestic market. According to Imbesi, "fruit from other countries, both fresh and processed, is often grown according to different regulations than those in force in Italy. The duties set by the United States are having a considerable impact, further complicating the picture. This situation generates a climate of uncertainty in trade relations with American multinationals, making long-term planning of contracts difficult.
© AGRUMI-GEL Srl
The forecast for the next citrus crop does not indicate an abundance of fruit. This estimate is the result of a combination of complex climatic factors. In recent years, the weather environment has been characterised by extreme droughts alternating with periods of intense and frequent rainfall. In particular, the 2025-2026 campaign will be most directly affected by reduced production. As Salvatore Imbesi explained, "the 2025/26 campaign will be characterised by a lower production due to plant stress, as they were affected by heavy rainfall in winter and strong gusts of cold wind in spring. These phenomena caused a significant drop in orange and lemon fruits, affecting many citrus production areas."
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