The estimate is 5.2 percent lower than a previous Fundecitrus projection, published in May. The institution said it cut its view because of drier-than-normal weather in the producing area between May and July, which led to smaller fruits. Fundecitrus said rain during that period was a cumulative 36 millimeters, or 73 percent below average.
An article on reuters.com describes how Brazil is the world’s largest producer and exporter of orange juice. Harvest in the current cycle reached 36 percent of the area by now, compared with 34 percent at this time last year.
