The Spanish clementine season got off to a slow start three to four weeks ago. With imports still present on the market and consumption that has been sluggish, Spanish clementines are struggling to find their place at the start of the season. However, as Xavier Rosario of Louis Rosario explains, the situation should improve from next week.
© Louis Rosario
Leftover South African Orri clementines
"Prices were high at first, demand was low, and there was still a lot of stock left over from South Africa," explains Xavier Rosario. This situation was not conducive to the arrival of Spanish Clémenrubis, whose first batches lacked a little color. "Faced with a South African supply of sweeter Orri at lower prices, the Spanish product obviously cannot compete. South African sizes (mainly size 1) are also more in line with the current demand, whereas Spanish Clémenrubis are mainly available in small sizes (2, 3, 4)," according to the professional. In the face of a demand that is still timid, prices for the Spanish origin have dropped, and the trend has intensified in recent days, especially for the smaller sizes.
An improvement expected from next week
The weather conditions are not helping the already quiet market either. "It is still too warm, the temperatures are not conducive to citrus consumption, and the school holidays are never conducive to sales activity," explains Xavier. Additionally, "the lower the demand, the higher the retail margins, putting a further brake on sales." But the situation should soon change. "With the end of the school holidays, the return of cooler weather and the disposal of the last Orri stocks - whose quality is starting to decline - the Spanish campaign should really get underway next week. The price drop should also put the Spanish clementines back on track."
© Louis Rosario
"Consumption is changing, and we need to adapt"
"We need to adapt to new consumption patterns," explains Xavier Rosario, who has observed a gradual erosion in demand over time, especially in traditional segments. "We are seeing a structural phenomenon. The new generations are consuming fewer fruits and vegetables than their elders. They want to save time and be more practical, as shown by the boom in the fresh-cut segment. Today, in the fruit and vegetable section of supermarkets, those who buy fresh produce are mainly people over the age of 50, who still take the time to cook."
For more information:
© Rosario
Louis Rosario
Saint Charles International
BP 15409 - Magasins 64/66
66034 Perpignan cedex
Phone: +33(0)4 68 68 33 11
[email protected]
