The price of fresh grapefruit is on the rise due to loss of trees from greening disease. While demand remains steady, supply is limited as May marks the end of the domestic citrus season. “The balance of our grapefruit supply is from our grove,” states Drew Burchenal of Cee Bee’s Citrus. “Towards the end of the season we do buy crop from central Florida.”Threats this season to grapefruit crop include bloom blight and citrus greening disease. Volumes increase and decrease depending on citrus variety, however, in general yields are lower. “Our acreage has decreased due to citrus greening. We have lost a lot of trees which in turn has diminished our crop return. This disease is affecting the entire Florida industry,” adds Burchenal.
Orange juice consumption has also been on the decline in the last few years due to the competition of various exotic fruit juices which are favored by younger consumers.
Competition for grapefruit on the American market comes from various states including Florida, Arizona, Texas and California. On an international market, imports from growers in Spain, North Africa, South America and Australia pose competition to domestic growers.
As a local grower in the Tampa Bay area, Cee Bee’s Citrus season typically ends during May. Attention then shifts to replanting and tree growth in order to provide extra care and nutritional elements to combat diseases.
For more information please contact:
Drew Burchenal
Cee Bee’s Citrus
866.248.7870
[email protected]
www.ceebeescitrus.com
