Fewer orange processing plants raise concerns for São Paulo’s orange supply

In São Paulo, Brazil, the declining number of operational orange processing plants by late November has sparked concerns about a potential orange supply shortage. Over the years, major processors in the region have reduced operations between January and February due to lower-than-normal supply levels. As of January 2024, the number of active plants has dropped from ten in the previous year to six, with just seven plants running by the end of November, according to local media reports.

Cepea estimates that the industry could have enough raw material to maintain processing activities until February 2025. However, the outlook for March remains uncertain, leaving stakeholders concerned about supply continuity.

Adding to these challenges is the poor quality of the current orange harvest. Industry reports indicate a subpar brix-acid ratio, which has negatively impacted both processing efficiency and the quality of the final juice product. The low juice yield is largely attributed to insufficient rainfall during fruit development, forcing processors to use more fruit to achieve the same juice output.

source: cepea.esalq.usp.br

photo: frutasdobrasil.org