“Mexico is a strong component to our overall core citrus program,” says Fernando Valle with TerraFresh Organics in California. “The grower co-op we represent is the largest supplier of organic Valencia oranges in the state of Sonora and we are proud of our 17-year exclusive partnership with them.” TerraFresh is excited to begin the new season with Early Valencias (November – January) and fulfill a strong demand since California organic Valencias are done for the season. The production of true Valencias (February – June) will follow right after the early Vals without any supply interruption.
So far this season, TerraFresh Organics is seeing solid quality and condition with crop volume expected to be up 20 percent over last year. New plantings are coming into production, providing for a major programmable volume. Overall peak sizing will be off by a half to one size smaller. Additionally, the market prices continue to climb as California’s Navel oranges are facing a tough year.
Organic Valencia oranges.
High prices California Navels
“Our domestic California citrus program is a major counterpart to our overall citrus program. With the state’s Navel orange production being impacted by thrip, there will be a lot of Choice fruit available in the market,” Valle commented. “The damage is bad across the Central Valley, but it is worse on organic citrus,” he added. “Some blocks may go straight to insurance.” As a result of the damage to the California Navel crop, the season has opened at high prices on both conventional and organic Navels, especially on Fancy grade fruit.
Although prices may drop a little bit once the season has fully ramped up, we are still expecting an overall strong market. “There is just not a lot of Fancy fruit available. In fact, it’s the worst California Navel season I’ve seen in a long time”. On top of quality issues, California growers are faced with a high cost of inputs. Labor and material costs continue to rise at a fast rate. Reduced quality of California Navels in combination with high prices is expected to result in an increased demand for Mexican oranges this season. “Valencias are usually second to Navels, but this season, they will be a key supplement in meeting consumer demand,” says Valle.
Organic grapefruit from Mexico.
Grapefruit
In addition to organic Valencia oranges from Mexico and an organic Navel orange offering from California, TerraFresh Organics also offers organic grapefruit from Mexico. “The Mexican grapefruit season is underway, and the co-op’s Rio Reds look great with favorable color and fantastic eating quality,” Valle commented. “It’s a good window for Mexico as there is not as much grapefruit from other sources out there currently. In the next few weeks, California will begin shipping more grapefruit, yet expectations for both countries of origin are good as they help supplement each other with an ever-growing demand in the citrus arena.” Whether buyers support Mexico-grown grapefruit or California-grown depends on quality, variety, pricing & FOB loading point.
In addition to organic citrus from Mexico, TerraFresh Organic also offers organic California citrus including lemons, limes, Navels, and grapefruit.
For more information:
Fernando Valle
TerraFresh Organics
Tel: (+1) 480-270-0829
fernandov@terrafreshorganics.com
www.terrafreshorganics.com