The mandarin campaign is starting to take shape with the marketing of the early varieties, both with and without leaf, with an abundance of small sizes and higher prices compared to last season.
"We are facing a campaign with more expensive mandarins and oranges and, generally, with fruit of an unprecedented low quality," said the Valencian marketer José Manuel Pardo, whose packing plant is located in the municipality of Xeresa, Valencia.
"Due to the influence of the weather, with very high temperatures and some storms accompanied by hail, the orchards have not performed as they should and yields are low. Also, there is an abundance of small and badly-formed fruit in the case of early oranges, which are pear-shaped," he says.
"We've had low yields of Satsuma and Marisol mandarins. We are currently marketing Oronul and Clemenrubi with leaf. We expect the supply to be low until the arrival of the Clemenules, which will deliver higher yields compared to earlier varieties, but has also been affected by hail in some areas," says the exporter. "In the case of oranges, there will be a smaller production at least until the arrival of the Lane Late variety."
Both prices at origin and sales prices have increased considerably, and consumption is being affected by it, according to José Manuel Pardo. "Due to high speculation in the fields, stores are acting irresponsibly and buying too early. The producers who usually supply me with fruit are calling me because they are already receiving offers for their crops. Some have been buying up to three months earlier than usual this year and we are talking about fresh produce which is at the mercy of the weather, among other factors."
"Sales are not bad, but so far, I have the perception of a quiet and gloomier market. Fruit is more expensive this year because costs are higher and there is no abundance, but prices have really gone up for almost all products, and not just for fresh produce. Going out for a beer is also more expensive and people are still going out. I don't think the focus should be placed on fruits and vegetables alone," said the exporter.
José Manuel Pardo S.L. ships most of its production to Europe, mainly to the British, Dutch and German markets, as well as to Italy. Outside the European Union, it also delivers to some markets in the Middle East.
For more information:
José Manuel Pardo
Jose Manuel Pardo, S.L.
Polígono Industrial La Pellería, Nave 10
Pont de Francisco, s/n
46790 Xeresa, Valencia. Spain
T: +34 962 895 307
M: +34 609612084
josemanuelpardo@yahoo.es
www.josemanuelpardo.es