Orange of California, much sweeter, sold better

Sweet oranges are preferred by consumers.

This was the conclusion of the producers of California who fight the fall of sales of fresh oranges. Over 30 years ago the average U.S. consumption was 15 pounds (6.8 kg) per year, in 2012 only 10.7 pounds (4.9 kg). This decline in consumption was like a parallel increase in the consumption of tangerines / clementines that has doubled over the same period.

The producers of California fight this decline by following consumer preferences. For the first time in almost 100 years, California has changed its regulations to crops. The harvest date no longer done based on the sugar / acid ratio of fruit, but only on the basis of the total sugar content.

The more sweetened oranges appeal to consumers. Sales of fresh California oranges increased by 8.4% compared to the same period of the last year (figures as at 1 February) according to the California Citrus Mutual group.

source : wall street journal