“Grapefruit for our export market mainly goes to Europe and Japan”, says Robert Thomas with IMG Citrus. “We should finish our export season within the next two weeks and the overall result is a 10-15 percent reduction in volume shipped compared to last year.” Europe is 11 percent lower and shipments to Japan have decreased by 14 percent. Reduced volumes are being caused by citrus greening. “We are losing trees to greening, which increases our cost per acre. Furthermore, the Euro and Yen are a lot weaker than last year. We started out the export season with the Euro having a value of 1.25 to the Dollar. Right now, the value is 1.05, making imports from the US more expensive”, Thomas added. In addition, fob grapefruit prices are about $1 higher than last year, ranging from $11 to $17. Some European retailers have continued to buy Florida grapefruit week after week because of its great taste. Others have alternated with grapefruit from Israel or Spain this season due to the increase in cost.
It's not about the looks
IMG Citrus exports grapefruit from October 1st until the first or second week of April. As of mid to late May, European retailers switch to South Africa for their supply. There should be no supply gap for our customers, which is key. “Our grapefruit has a fantastic taste. We know we don’t look good but we taste good and it’s the inside that really matters”, Thomas said. “We have a subtropical heat and high humidity in summer, resulting in great taste. However, the wind creates scars on the fruit.”
Greening creates a big unknown for the industry. “We still don’t know how to grow trees that won’t be affected by greening. The solution may be close, but is likely in the rootstock. If that’s the case, we are five to six years away from harvesting the first crop of non-greening fruit”, Thomas said. “Despite citrus greening, we will keep re-planting our trees as we believe in the future of Florida grapefruit”, finished Thomas.
For more information:
Robert Thomas
IMG Citrus
Tel: +1 772-778-6783