Retail prices recorded a 25% increase. Thus, lemons are currently being sold, on average, for 2 to 2.30 pesos per unit in the neighbourhood grocery stores and supermarkets in the capital of Tucumán. 20 days ago, they were being sold at 1.50 pesos. This increase in prices is the result of the sharp drop in local production, -60% when compared to 2013, according to Tucuman’s Citrus Association (ATC).
Juan Carlos Medina, Vice President of Mercofrut, said greengrocers were paying 100 pesos for an 18 to 20 kilo tray of lemons. Meanwhile, the 16-kilo box of top quality lemons is being sold at 120 pesos in Mercofrut. "Generally, there is a fall in the supply of lemons between July and September. But the frost last year led to a sharp decline in production and quality. This raised prices," said the manager.
Roberto Sanchez Loria, head of the ATC, said the citrus industry was in an emergency because of the decrease in production volumes. "Last year’s climate, especially the winter frost, cut local production by 60%. Then offer shrunk and, consequently, the wholesale and retail prices increased," he said.
According to the official the supply will be restricted for the remainder of the year.
"We hope production will normalize in 2015 because we've had no frost this year. This will help the plants recover. In addition, we expect the rain cycle to be regular," said the head of the Tucuman Citrus Association.
Source: LaGaceta.com.ar