The increase in lemon exports and the demand for lemons in Buenos Aires had a rebound effect in the provincial market. In recent days the drop of citrus supply in the internal market has become more acute, which boosted prices in wholesales and in stores.
Currently, consumers can find large and really small lemons at Tucuman's Fruit and Vegetable Market (Mercofrut) and at the greengrocers. The fruits available in the market are ones that could not be sent to international markets or the Buenos Aires Central Market; i.e. the fruit rejected for export. According to sources from Mercofrut, the volume being sold is 50% lower than in other times.
"The entry of lemons decreased by 50%. The lemons on sale are of poor quality, or very large, or very small. However, the second batch of lemons (from the second flowering of the plants) will come out within 15 or 20 days and that will normalize the supply," said the director of the Center of Producers of the province, Juan Carlos Medina, who stated that this was a seasonal situation.
According to a survey, prices increased by nearly 80% in the wholesale market and approximately 100% in retail businesses in recent weeks.
For example, a 17 to 20 kilo box, which used to cost 90 to 100 pesos, can be bought for about 150 or 180 in Mercofrut. Outside the formal circuit, a box of lemons of dubious origin is being offered at 100, the wholesalers complained.
The price of a dozen of lemons went from an average of 20 to 40 pesos in grocery stores.
"The demand increased because of the season; people are now beginning to consume more," stated a trader.
Source: lagaceta.com.ar