After a significant increase in citrus export volumes to northern Europe during the past two weeks as a result of Saint Nicholas festivities, consumption levels seem to be dropping again to levels below what is usual for this time of the year.
"A lot of work was done last Monday and Tuesday to supply the markets celebrating Saint Nicholas (Thursday in The Netherlands and Friday in Belgium and Germany), where oranges are traditionally given as a present. After this increase in demand, citrus companies normally devote all their resources to preparing for the Christmas campaign, but this year, despite the arrival of cold temperatures, sales have yet to come in full swing," assures Jorge García, president of Asociex.
Jorge says that he ignores the reason for this drop in demand, as "clementines have a better quality than ever and prices are low." Large supermarket chains have estimated the drop at 20 to 25% compared to last year.
The season continues with the harvest of clementine varieties such as the Orogrande and the Clemenules, whose price has kept increasing and is currently the most valued. As for Navelina oranges, prices remain low. Calibres are mostly small and the skin is a bit paler than usual.
80% of Valencia's citrus are exported to France, Germany, United Kingdom and The Netherlands, although companies are looking for alternatives to compensate for this drop in demand.