US: Citrus volumes hit by frost

The freezing temperatures in California in mid-January have taken a toll on California’s citrus crop. The Produce News last week reported that the 2011-12 California navel orange crop (prior to the freeze) had already been estimated to be lighter than 2010- 11’s very heavy 93 million case crop. Following the freeze, estimates for the 2011-12 were revised downward to a 75 million case crop, a crop that is said to be generally running small peaking on 88’s and 72’s. The Produce News went on to say that growers would not harvest as heavily each week and will try to extend their crop into June.

Today, large size navels are selling at US$ 14 for Fancy and US$ 12.50 for Choice, 72’s are selling at US$ 12.50 for Fancy and US$ 10 for Choice and 88’s are going at US$ 10 for Fancy and US$ 8.75 for Choice.

The late Mandarin (W. Murcott) crop was affected more dramatically by the freeze.
While early estimates suggested that 15-20% of the crop was lost, it appears that the impact may be greater. Today, W. Murcotts are selling at US$ 31-32 for 10 x 3 lbs (and other 30 lbs value-added packs) for standard sizes 1-2-3 and at US$ 30 for size 4.

It is expected that the late Mandarin crop will be finished before mid-April leaving the shelves clear for early, Southern Hemisphere clementines. This should create great excitement among early clementine growers who will, no doubt, see a lot of interest expressed in their fruit. This is very nice for the growers. Expectations will run high and the auction for early fruit will be no less intense than last season.