The first lemon harvest estimates by Ailimpo predict the production to reach between 850,000 and 900,000 tonnes (between 10 to 15% less than last season), depending on the development of fruit sizes, which will be down to the Autumn rains.
This prediction has been rated by Ailimpo as "sufficient" in terms of volume in tonnes and "very good" in terms of quality, which will ensure supply to clients.
Like last season, most of the lemon production is expected to be used for fresh consumption, whether exported or within the national market, or by the processing industry, making it desirable for the harvesting process to be well-planned and orderly.
In any case, the beginning of the campaign will be marked by the end of the season in the Southern Hemisphere (Argentina, Uruguay and South Africa), and by Turkey's competitiveness, favoured by lower production costs and plenty of funding granted by the Turkish government to their exporters.
The lemon campaign in Spain will begin in October, developing the usual activities and increasing volumes progressively.
Historical data of lemon production in Spain
Campaign | Campaign | Campaign | Campaign | |
Production | 1.105.234 | 1.090.000 | 552.192 | 945.527 |
| Campaign 2009/2010 | Campaign 2010/2011 | Campaign 2011/2012* | Campaign 2012/2013** | |
| Production | 682.498 | 930.512 | 1.000.000 | 850.000- 900.000 |
Tonnes
*2011/12 Provisional data
**First harvest prospects from Ailimpo
Source: Ailimpo