The orange harvest has just come to a close in the main Spanish producing areas with a smaller production than initially expected and a higher and more stable demand, partly due to cooler temperatures during most of the spring, a low supply from Egypt, and the delay in the arrival of stone fruit this year. Overseas oranges are expected to arrive in a few weeks at the same high prices as the last batches of the Spanish season.
"We have finished harvesting the last of the Valencia Late oranges this week," says Javier Subies, from the sales department of the Valencian company Fontestad. "In general, production has fallen below expectations both in the Valencian Community and in Andalusia, not only for Valencia oranges, but also for late second season varieties like the Navel Powel, Navel Chislett, etc., as well as for mandarins."
The abundance and persistence of rainfall this season have had an impact on the quality of both oranges and mandarins, leading to more damage and, in short, a lower marketable supply. "The mandarin season ended earlier than usual, and the same will happen with oranges. Normally, we stop working with domestic oranges in late August, but this year we will finish earlier," says Subies.
Fruit prices at source have been higher in the second part of the season, and this has also been reflected in the markets, where, according to Subies, demand has remained high due to various factors. "Orange consumption has remained high for longer than usual this year, as the weather has been colder and rainier. This has also delayed the arrival of stone fruit. Additionally, imports from Egypt have dropped considerably compared to last year due to Egyptian exporters not receiving government subsidies. At the same time, the citrus juice processing industry is proliferating and has been the most profitable option for many growers."
European importers are already loading up on oranges from the Southern Hemisphere in view of the premature end of the Spanish season this year. Those shipments will arrive in around four weeks, according to Fontestad's sales representative. "The transition to oranges from overseas will probably take place a little earlier this year. There won't be any overlap and prices will remain at the high levels recorded at the end of the Spanish season," he says.
In spite of the production losses, this year Fontestad is once again managing to increase its orange and mandarin volumes, with prospects of reaching around 160 million kilos. "We are satisfied with this season's results, despite the difficulties we've had to face," says Javier Subies.
For more information:
Javier Subies Ribera
Fontestad
Ctra. Cv-32 Km 9 46136 Museros, Valencia. Spain
Tel.: 961450655
Fax: 961451000
[email protected]
www.fontestad.com