There's another month or two left in the California Valencia orange season, and prices are likely to go up as availability of the fruit dwindles. This year has seen more growers send their Valencias to the juice market, leading to lower volumes on the fresh market and better prices.“Without too much rain, it costs more for growers to get more water to their trees,” said Santos Duran with Tepa Produce. “Some decided that the cost is too high, so they cut back on watering their trees.” That affected sizing and quality, meaning less fruit was suitable for the fresh market and more was sold for juicing.
On September 8, prices for a carton of 48s from California were between $9.05 and $15.05, and prices for a carton of 88s were between $12.35 and $15.05. On smaller sizes, prices for a carton of 113s were between $13.55 and $18.05, and prices for a carton of 138s were between $14.10 and $19.05. Demand was reported as good for 113s through 138s.
“Prices are a little higher than they were a couple of months ago, and I think they will continue to go up,” said Duran. “Every day that passes there is less fruit available, that's why prices are going up.”
For more information:
Santos Duran
Tepa Produce
+1 760 622 1023
