The current levels of demand reflect a notorious drop in citrus consumption compared to previous seasons; a trend most likely explained by the unusually high temperatures still being registered during the second week of November. Prices are consequently still relatively low.
"We are facing a truly complicated campaign, with low levels of demand and problems with fruit calibres. Many exporters who purchased Satsuma mandarins or early clementine varieties such as the Marisol, Clemenrubí, Primasol or Pri23 have suffered great losses because calibres have not been up to commercial standards," explains David López, from the Commercial Department of Cítricos Asunción López S.L.
Additionally, the heat has also altered the maturing process for various clementine varieties, and growers fear an excessive concentration of supply to take place once the cold weather finally arrives.
Given the market stagnation, David López advices not to harvest and stock large amounts of the fruit unnecessarily in chambers, so that it's as fresh as possible once it is time to ship it and thus complaints and price drops are prevented.
"Many exporters overstocked their warehouses, and after coming across with the low levels of demand and the problems to sell the fruit, they resorted to dropping their prices, which is damaging for us all. If demand is currently low, we need to try shipping the one that has the best quality," affirms David.
"Although the season has been slightly delayed, our Clemenules are already being exported with the required colour and quality parameters, mainly to markets in Eastern Europe."
Temperatures are expected to drop noticeably from 15 November, which should in turn reactivate sales.
For more information:
David López: +34627542499
Antonio López: +34669478121
CITRICOS ASUNCION LOPEZ S.L.U
La Barraca de Aguas Vivas, Valencia, Spain.
TEL/+34962589146
FAX/:+34962588806
info@citricosfrial.com
www.citricosfrial.com