Spanish citrus harvest 2023/24 slightly above the previous season

In Spain, the citrus harvest for the 2023-2024 season is expected to reach around 5,754,184 tons, slightly above the previous season but 14.4% below the five-year average, according to projections from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food (MAPA). While there is a significant decline in oranges and small citrus compared to the average, lemons and grapefruits show an increase in production, especially lemons.

This would be, overall and excluding the 2022-2023 season, the smallest harvest in the last eleven years, according to Agriculture statistics. Despite an expected production increase of approximately 24,000 tons compared to the previous harvest, it is projected to be nearly 1 million tons less than the average for a normal season, with oranges accounting for 86% of this difference, totaling 832,000 tons.

Regarding prices, the citrus sector started the year with an increase compared to previous years, although it remained similar to the previous season. For example, the price of oranges (Navel group) was 34.85 euros/100 kg from January 1 to 7, compared to 35.67 euros/100 kg for the same period the previous year, 19 euros/100 kg in 2022, and 23.68 euros/100 kg in 2021.

Producers attribute the current price situation to 'temporary' circumstances caused by the effects of drought, which have negatively impacted harvests by reducing them below average. The Ministry's estimate indicates that orange production could be 8.2% lower than the previous season and almost 24% below the average, totaling 832,000 tons less.

Furthermore, adverse weather has also impacted other competitor countries such as Morocco, where high temperatures have led to a production decrease, driving up prices. Despite the decrease in Moroccan citrus production, there is an increase in imports of Turkish and Egyptian citrus in the Spanish markets, posing challenges for local producers facing slower harvesting and price pressure from these competitors. The fruit's size also falls 10% below optimal commercial standards in many cases, selling at lower prices.

source: efeagro.com