In the 2025 citrus season, Argentina will produce traditional varieties such as Salustiana, Navel, Midknight, and Valencia. It will also carry out trials with blood oranges to diversify its supply. The sector, however, faces challenges long before the fruit reaches the market. High internal costs, limited infrastructure, and a strained global logistics system directly affect producers. "Every hour that's lost generates extra costs that are transferred to the producers, and that doesn't allow them to invest in their farms," stated Nahuel Lavino, representative of FAMA.
The country has favorable natural conditions and export experience - FAMA has been sending fruit to the world for more than 42 years - but this is insufficient to maintain competitiveness against giants such as South Africa or Egypt. "Argentina doesn't even move 1% of the volume that these two countries move," Lavino acknowledged.
The main bottleneck is logistics. Since Argentina is at the end of the maritime route, shipping lines often leave it out of their itinerary due to its low volume. "The shipping companies end up skipping the country or not offering alternatives for the fruit," he stated. The sector is promoting a collective strategy to negotiate as a block against shipping companies, a move that could improve the frequency and predictability of shipments.
In addition, phytosanitary barriers and tariffs limit access to important markets such as the United States and Europe. As a result, Argentina can't send its sweet citrus to many markets, Lavino stated.
"However, the global shortage of oranges, particularly due to low production in the United States and Brazil, has opened a window of opportunity. This has increased demand for fresh fruit, particularly for early varieties, just as Argentina begins its season. There is very good demand in general," Lavino stated. However, he clarified, exporters might not be able to take advantage of this situation due to the aforementioned obstacles.
Faced with this scenario, the focus is on resisting, adapting, and finding niches where the Argentine product can stand out for its quality and consistency. "There is always a small niche we can aim for," Lavino stated, stressing that the fight for the market not only involves volume, but also strategic intelligence.
For more information:
Nahuel Lavino
FAMA
Tel: +34 636 497 142
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
www.citrusfama.com.ar