Some shippers could see an earlier end to the Texas grapefruit season. "Due to better-than-expected movement early in the season, we are about 10 percent ahead of this time last year," says April Flowers of Lone Star Citrus Growers. "If this trend continues, we will finish earlier this year compared to last."
The Texas season for the citrus item began as per usual, at the end of September, and it is set to finish in early March. To date, the region has seen a mild winter and the grower-shipper isn't expecting any harvest interruptions.
Overall, this season for Lone Star Citrus is on track to produce about 75 percent of a typical crop year. "Recovery from the 2021 freeze continues to be stymied by the ongoing drought and a light freeze in January 2024," says Flowers. "Water access is still a problem, though those who do have water are seeing a nice crop with good sizing and brix-acid ratio."
Export opportunity
As for demand for Texas grapefruit, it has been consistent through the holiday season, and right now, it is somewhat stronger thanks to consumers focusing on health and wellness at this time of year. At the same time, thanks to the opening of the Texas citrus trade in South Korea, Lone Star Citrus has also begun exporting to the region this year.
As for pricing, it has shifted this season. "The market started off strong but prices have softened under the weight of full production out of Texas and Florida," says Flowers, adding that while access to water has contributed to stronger prices this year generally, the increased costs of labor and materials are bigger factors in those higher prices.
For more information:
April Flowers
Lone Star Citrus Growers
Tel: +1 (956) 424-7775
[email protected]
www.lonestarcitrus.com