The end of the Spanish organic lemon season is accelerating due to the influence of high temperatures on the production of the Verna variety, which is already lower than last year. Meanwhile, demand remains high while in the transition to the Southern Hemisphere campaign.
"In the last few weeks, the end of the Spanish lemon season has been brought forward. We are currently in a transitional period, and given the unusually high temperatures we are experiencing, Verna lemon yields have been increasingly falling, so we are trying to meet the demand with the limited volumes we have until the start of the overseas season," says Miguel Ángel Mira, Sourcing Manager at Agribio
"In terms of volume and production, the organic Primofiori lemon season has been normal and stable compared to other years. Volumes have been lower than in the previous year, when we reached record highs, but our production has been more or less in line with that of a standard year," says Mira. "The second part of the season, with the Verna, has been marked by a significant drop in production, aggravated by the impact of the rain and frost recorded in the Murcia and Alicante area. As a result, production has fallen by around 30% compared to the previous year."
On a commercial level, according to Mira, prices have been higher than last season, especially for the Verna, which has suffered a more noticeable drop in terms of volume. "It is also true that prices had fallen to unusually low prices last year, and this year they have stabilized," he says.
In Spain, Agribio's organic lemons are grown in the country's main lemon-growing areas, such as Malaga, Murcia, Almeria, and Alicante. As far as the Southern Hemisphere is concerned, from the very beginning, they have been betting on Chile as "a country with a lot of potential for organic lemon production," says Mira. "Most of our production is in this country, but we have also wished to diversify into other producing countries, such as Peru and South Africa, and we are currently also starting in Argentina. These have given us very good yields and have shown that they are capable of meeting the strictest quality standards required by European organic regulations."
Operators working on lemon farms in Chile.
Looking ahead to the lemon season in the Southern Hemisphere, Agribio expects "a similar production to those of previous seasons in Chile and Peru, as well as stable volumes. In South Africa, volumes appear to be quite low this year, and it's worth noting that South Africa is one of the most important players for the overseas lemon season, so this shortage is undoubtedly going to take a toll on the season."
Demand for organic lemons is slowly increasing, and this entails opportunities for organic lemon-producing countries, according to Miguel Ángel Mira. "In general, we are seeing a drop in citrus consumption to the detriment of other types of fruit, such as exotics, whose consumption has been increasing in recent years. However, the organic sector is experiencing an upturn and a slight increase in demand. As a result, the supply and production areas are also increasing. Spain is a global leader in organic lemon cultivation, and we have seen an increase in production in recent years. Organic lemon production has also increased in the Southern Hemisphere, although growth has been more limited."
Organic lemon currently accounts for about 30% of sales in Germany, 15% in France, and up to 10% in the United Kingdom.
Agribio's main destination is France, closely followed by Germany. Almost 90% of its production is going to these countries. "In France's case, we are also their main citrus supplier. We are also present in other parts of Europe, like eastern countries, central Europe, and Scandinavia, although to a considerably lesser extent," says Mira.
"Even though citrus consumption is falling, lemons are one of the most stable products, especially the organic ones. In our case, our commitment to sourcing from multiple countries and to importing has allowed us to keep sales stable in recent years, and we aim for our supply to increase in the near future, not just for lemons, but also for other citrus varieties. We are striving to deliver a year-round supply of quality organic citrus," says Miguel Ángel Mira.
For more information:
Miguel Ángel Mira López
Agribio Terra Organic
Polígono Industrial La Coma
C/ 12, n.º 54 CP 46220 Picassent, Valencia. Spain
Tel.: (+34) 961 232 646
[email protected]
www.agribioterraorganic.com