The citrus campaign in the south of Tarragona has begun with the first Oronules and Orogros clementines. Producers expect a decline of nearly 40% in the harvest volumes in this producing area, which concentrates a large area of clementines and tangerines, In some areas, the decrease will amount to more than 55%, especially in the Clemenules variety, according to Alfons Royo, manager of Royo Fruits, of Alcanar.
Alfons Royo, the manager of Royo Fruits
“There is a significant decrease in the supply of clementines in the market and, at the same time, the fruit ripens very slowly due to the warm temperatures, which delay colouring. In a normal campaign, we have to wait around 4 days to recollect the fruit from the same field, now we have to wait about 10 days. This is leading to a lively market with little fruit saturation. Sales are fast, prices are right, and there is no pressure.”
In addition, with less fruit on the trees, the sizes are larger overall. "It will be hard to find 4 and 5 calibers in our production area," he added. According to the producer and exporter, they expect a similar situation with the Clemenules variety.
“I think that the demand for clementines will remain above the supply this year. I believe that, since we have a limited offer, a very slow pace of collection, and the strongest demand will take place in the next few weeks, we might struggle to complete all of our customers' orders in the face of the strong Christmas campaign.”
Producers also expect a decrease in orange volumes, although to a lesser extent. In Tarragona, producers expect to harvest about 15% less oranges this year, while in Castellon and Valencia there is talk of a decrease of nearly 20%. The descent will be more noticeable in Lane Lates,” says Alfons Royo, "which will begin in November with the first Navelinas and will end with Valencias in July."
“We expect a campaign with good and leisurely sales compared to last year, when demand was somewhat lower than usual and supply was exorbitant. We hope that this year, with so little fruit and good demand, prices will be good.”
According to Alfons Royo, the rise in US tariffs on Spanish citrus fruits, whose exports to this country amounted to more than 5 million euro two seasons ago, shouldn't affect the sector in general. “In the last 10 years, the export of clementines - especially the Marisol variety - to the United States has declined considerably. We are sending less and less citrus to this country. ”
Royo Fruits exports most of its fruit to European markets, with overseas shipments to other markets, such as Canada and China. “Since we have such a limited offer this year, we will focus on meeting the demand of the customers who work with us all year. We are consolidated in many countries of Europe and the markets of Canada and, for 4 years, China, where we export oranges and have been surprised by how well the Ortanique clementines work. We are happy with this market because the quality team of our importers controls the work and departures of our cargoes from our facilities and, thus, both parties know that it is no longer up to us if something happens during the trip.”
Royo Fruits will, once again, exhibit their products at the Fruit Attraction Madrid, from October 22 to 24. You can find them at stand 4E04A, in hall 4.
For more information:
Alfons Royo
Royo Fruits SL
T: +34 977 71 91 51
M: +34 655 162 643
royofruits@royofruits.com
www.royofruits.com