The sales of Spanish lemons and grapefruits have remained stagnant since November. The field purchase prices for lemons are higher because of a smaller harvest compared to last year, and the same applies to grapefruits, which has led to an increase in market prices this season.
María Dolores Pelegrín, a partner at Apemar from Murcia, describes the market as "too dull." She explains that "sales are very slow and there is pressure to lower prices, which is difficult given the high purchase prices of the fruit."
© Frutas Apemar
Spain's lemon production declined significantly this season, prompting companies to buy early to prevent shortages. Currently, few purchases are being made, and prices in the field range from 55 to 60 cents per kilo," stated María Dolores.
"The processing industry is paying unusually high prices for the fruit this year, above 30 cents, as lemons are generally of better quality and mainly sold in the fresh market. Additionally, the recent rains have helped the lemons plump up, so we now have better sizes than at the start of the season," she added.
"Lemon prices are under pressure in the market, but we do not support lowering them, since once prices drop, it's hard for them to rise again," she explained. "However, Turkish exporters are apparently willing to accept lower prices to boost sales, despite producing less this year."
According to María Dolores, reduced lemon production may soon cause a supply shortage. "It is very likely that, sooner rather than later, the lack of supply will become noticeable. That's why we believe we have to stand firm. Demand tends to rise around Christmas, so we'll see how the situation unfolds towards the end of this year and the start of next."
Grapefruit is now 8-10 cents more expensive than last season, due to a smaller crop, according to María Dolores. "The grapefruit market is more stable than the lemon market, with fewer price fluctuations despite the increase in operators."
© Joel Pitarch | FreshPlaza.com
Apemar, now in its 75th year and led by its second generation, manages approximately 25 million kilograms of lemons and 5 to 7 million kilograms of grapefruit each year, maintaining a steady supply year-round.
The company, with its brands Tas, Apemar, and Zaida, focuses on selling to wholesale markets mainly in France and Poland, as well as serving national markets and Italy. It operates across many European countries and occasionally exports to Asia and South America.
For more information:
María Dolores Pelegrín
Frutas Apemar, S.L.
Mobile: +34 609656551
Tel: +34 968 379 490
Email: [email protected]
www.apemar.com
