US: California climate ideal for lemons

California is the US number one lemon producer with more than 90 percent share of US production. The majority is being grown in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, north of Los Angeles. Supply is also coming from the California desert (Coachella Valley) as well as the Central Valley. This is the peak time of the year for lemon production and this year is showing good supply.

Lemon prices are very strong this year says Dusty Ference of California Citrus Mutual. Depending on the size, prices vary from $37 - $39 for 115s and $40 - $42 for 140s. Demand for lemons has shown an increase and health benefits in particular are believed to have resulted in increased consumption, driving prices up. According to the USDA, US lemon consumption amounts to approximately 3.5 lbs. per capita whereas Europe and South America show consumption numbers of five and six pounds per capita respectively. This offers an upward potential for US lemon consumption.

Asia is a very important market for US lemons with approximately one third of total exports going to Japan. At the moment, exports of the entire citrus industry are being affected by the situation in the West Coast ports. It takes a lot longer to get the fruit loaded from the dock onto the ship, which hurts export numbers. On the import side, Mexico is a competitor of the US lemon sector. About two thirds of US lemon imports originate from Mexico.

For more information:
Dusty Ference
California Citrus Mutual
dusty@cacitrusmutual.com
www.cacitrusmutual.com