This week, the first Satsumas from Peru will arrive at Origin Fruit Direct. Gijsbert van Leeuwen visited the growers in the various Peruvian regions last week, and reports: “They’re currently harvesting the Okitsu variety, and this is looking very well. The harvest is generally a bit earlier than expected, and it’s all coming along a bit faster than predicted. Volumes differ per region and grower. Some expect 15 to 20 per cent less, while other growers expect to achieve the same volume as last year.”
“Generally, less volume will be exported because a grower/exporter stopped working. The majority of the total export is in the hands of three major exporters who’ll continue to do the regular programmes. A lot of growers are chopping down their Satsumas and are focusing on new varieties such as Orri and Ortanique. Expectations from Peru are that the Satsuma volume will only decrease from now on, and that Primosole will take over that market share,” Gijsbert says. “Primosole is a stronger variety with a better and stabler flavour. Orri plants of five to six years old are still not really fully in production. It’s a long road and yields per hectare are considerably lower compared to other tangerine varieties. It’s expected that the volume will therefore gradually start increasing. A lot is being done to develop varieties.”
“The fruit is fresher, stronger and cleaner compared to last year, and sizes for Europe are good as well, the peak sizes are sizes 1 and 2. Until week 17-18, the Okitsus will be packed, and they’ll then switch to Owari, which they’re expecting to export until week 23-24. The Owari is a stronger variety, and prospects regarding quality for this crop are better than last season as well. The Nadorcott volume is still rising, and it’s expected they’ll be exported around week 28-30. All in all, the coming season is looking well with a better quality, and a more stable market for Satsumas,” Gijsbert concludes.
For more information:
Gijsbert van Leeuwen
Origin Fruit Direct
T. +31(0)88 244 93 20
C. +31(0)6 300 053 49
gijsbert@originfruitdirect.nl
www.originfruitdirect.nl