The anticipated decline in the production of certain mandarin varieties during the 2025/2026 citrus season is starting to impact market prices. The major hailstorm in July in Plana Baixa, Alto Palancia, and Camp de Morvedre has decreased supply in these regions, resulting in higher citrus prices.
According to the Valencia Citrus Exchange, in recent weeks, Clemenules and Orogrande have been bought and sold at an average price of €0.50 per kilogram, with highs of €0.60, representing a 22% increase compared to the previous season.
Clemenules, the main variety in Castellón's cultivation areas, is experiencing a very small harvest. Over the past decade, its output has decreased by nearly 50%, dropping from 482,492 tons in 2014 to an estimated 250,609 tons in the 2025/2026 season. Prices for early varieties, such as Okitsu (€0.29/kg) and Owari (€0.27/kg), have also increased significantly. Within the clementine subgroup, varieties such as Clemenrubí, Orogros, and Oronules have reached €0.62/kg, a 10% increase from last year, while Clemenvilla is at €0.57/kg, up 20% from last season.
Similarly, Marisol (€0.40/kg) and Arrufatina (€0.47/kg) have also seen increases at the start of the season, with no operations yet taking place in the earliest orange varieties. Navelina oranges remain around €0.27/kg, a price similar to that of 2024/2025.
The European market is already under pressure because of the short previous season for oranges and mandarins. The reduced Spanish supply is likely to keep prices under stress. Moreover, last season saw a decline in exports from Egypt, a major supplier, due to limited production.
South Africa's robust harvest is currently enhancing its exports, which wrapped up on September 20th prior to the start of the new Mediterranean season. According to a report by Plataforma Tierra (Cajamar Foundation), South African customs data up to July reveal a 28% increase in citrus exports to the UK and the EU, with an 86% rise specifically to Spain. Orange exports reached 7,300 tons, representing a 280% increase over the same period last year.
Source: levante-emv.com
