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California citrus supplies up 20 percent

Supplies of citrus out of California are up this season. “This year’s supply is up about 20 percent compared with last year at this time, though the size structure started out more consistently in 2021,” says Zak Laffite, president, Wonderful Citrus. “Currently, supply is excellent and with good quality. Fruit size is on par with previous years and we are seeing an increasing volume of larger fruit emerging each day.”

The California navel season began on time this season with good supplies right away and is forecast to run through the end of June. Supplies are coming from the Central Valley of California. “We are also excited that our Cara Cara season just started and we are packing excellent fruit quality,” says Laffite. “We believe red-fleshed oranges, like Cara Caras, offer something new to the category and give consumers a chance to try something different.”

Opportunities for growth in navels
As for demand, Laffite hopes to see increases in demand given the holiday timing and more of a focus from its retail partners in the coming few weeks. That said, demand is picking up compared to the end of summer given how little imported fruit is in the market. “The navel category has stabilized at roughly 20-22 percent of the consumer’s citrus basket, whereas it was 40 percent+ 10 years ago,” says Laffite. “We believe there are opportunities for growth in the navel category, and it will likely come from extending the availability of unique, innovative varieties such as Cara Caras.”

Meanwhile in pricing, compared to a year ago, prices are up slightly--though this recent increase in demand could influence pricing. High costs are also affecting pricing. “Water and labor continue to be the biggest obstacles facing California citrus. Water has become quite costly and many navel ranches do not have adequate long-term water supply,” says Laffite. “Fortunately most of our acreage is located in areas where there are dual sources of water, meaning there is access to both surface and groundwater.”

For more information:
Lauren Cleaner
Wonderful Citrus
[email protected]  
https://www.wonderfulcitrus.com/