The combined effects of a freeze last December and a prolonged drought have affected production of Valencia oranges in California. With fewer supplies, prices for Valencias have been higher than normal.“Pricing is stronger than normal for this time of year,” said Al Imbimbo, vice president of sales for Suntreat Packing & Shipping Company in Lindsay, California. With Valencias going for between $12 and $20 per carton, depending on the size and grade of the fruit, Imbimbo noted that prices have been about $4 more per carton than normal. While part of the reason for the higher prices stems from a shortened navel season, pricing has also been affected decreased production brought on by a freeze and a drought.
“I think we'll lose about 15 percent of this year's Valencia crop to the freeze in December,” said Imbimbo. The effects of that freeze can be seen in fruit that's currently being picked, and though freeze-affected fruit can be segregated from good fruit, and so not affect the quality of fruit that makes it to market, the more freeze-damaged oranges, the less overall fruit available to consumers. A lack of water in California is also affecting production.
“The drought in California will cause lots of problems,” said Imbimbo. “It's hard to put a number on it, but with the drought bringing another complication, this year's crop could be even lighter.” While estimates put this year's California Valencia crop at 24 million boxes, the combined effects of December's freeze and a drought means this year's crop could actually be lower than that.
For more information:
Al Imbimbo
Suntreat Packing & Shipping Company
+1 559 562 4988