Israel's Orri mandarin season is due to start as soon as next week. Producers and exporters in Israel are receiving phone calls with orders for citrus fruit from European buyers, which is good for the industry says Michael Amar, Marketing Manager of Kibbutz Alumim.
Israel’s citrus season has progressed quickly with Sweeties and pomelo already finished. The Orri mandarin harvest is set to start next week or perhaps in the first week in the New Year. “We are going to start harvesting the Orri’s next week, or the week thereafter. It all depends on the weather and if the Orri’s will be ready. We are waiting for the colour and taste to kick in and then we’ll pack,” says Amar.
The grapefruit harvest that started four weeks ago is continuing but with lower than expected yields. “Although the fruit looks good, the yield is low. There is not enough volume, it is certainly less than last year for both white and red grapefruit. I also don’t think we’ll reach the same total volume for Orri that we had last year. If it gets too hot or too cold during bloom in April-May, we get less volume, which is what has happened this year ”
Amar markets the clementine variety Orri for a number of kibbutzim, including his own kibbutz, farming a total of some 40 hectares. They are located in Israel’s Northwest Negev Region. The Orri variety, bred by Israel’s Volcani Institute, is an easy peeler, seedless, naturally sweet variety which has been very popular in Europe over recent years.
Despite the lower than expected citrus volumes Amar says they are hopeful to make good sales given the signals they get from export markets, especially in Europe. “We are seeing good demand from the markets in Europe; sales are good in both Germany and France. There is also big local demand for the Clementine mandarin. I hope Orri will look good for us too. When clients call and ask you to load, which is what is happening at the moment, there is cause to believe we will have a good season,” states Amar.
For more information:
Michael Amar
Kibbutz Alumim
Tel: +972 54779 2842
Email: [email protected]
www.alumim.co.il