The citrus fruit market is rather varied - things are not going well for oranges, the situation is slightly better for clementines and lemons are doing quite well.
The Verona wholesale market. (Archive photo)
"The Tarocco season started with a few problems - the early produce (Tarocco Nucellare) is more delicate than that of the other varieties and the warm temperatures in the production areas did not help, as citrus fruit needs significant temperature changes to develop a better colour, texture and taste."
All of this is of course reflected on the prices, which are rather low. Medium/small grades are sold at 30-50 cents.
The situation is better for clementines, as fruit is now coming from Apulia and Basilicata rather than Calabria. "The season has been difficult, but the change in the production area is helping, as there is less produce available and prices are a little better."
The last clementines from Calabria are sold at €0.50-1.00/kg depending on the grade, whereas those from Apulia reach €1.50.
Late tangerine sales started last week "with normal prices and average sales due to the presence on the market of domestic clementines and oranges." Prices hover around €1/kg for packed late tangerines with big grades.
The lemon season is an entirely different matter. "Usually prices should be rather low around this period, but we have now exceeded €1/kg for the Sicilian produce and fruit from Spain is doing even better. This is due to the fact that Spain, which rules the market, produced less volumes this year, and the same has happened in Italy. The price of premium quality Italian lemons is above €1/kg and the Spanish ones are sold at €1.30-1.40/kg."