Global orange juice supply at 50-year low amid climate crisis

Extreme weather in 2024 has severely impacted orange harvests worldwide, causing a sharp decline in supply and significant disruptions in global markets.

In Spain, catastrophic flooding in October inflicted widespread damage on orange crops, resulting in an estimated $205 million in losses, according to local media.

Valencia, one of the country's key orange-producing regions, bore the brunt of the devastation, forcing buyers to seek alternative suppliers.

Compounding the crisis, Brazil and Florida have also reported poor orange yields, pushing orange juice availability to its lowest levels in half a century, as noted by the British Fruit Juice Association.

In 2022, Spain was the largest orange exporter globally, earning $3.65 billion from orange exports. A poor harvest not only affects the country’s GDP but also poses challenges for orange farmers. The flooding, while not uncommon, has become more frequent and intense due to climate change. Scientists explain that warmer air holds more moisture, increasing the likelihood of heavy rainfall and flooding events.

With 2024 being the hottest year on record, following the record set in 2023, experts warn that such extreme weather events may become more common. For consumers, the impact is clear: prices for oranges, orange juice, and related products are rising sharply. In fact, Mintec reports a 130% increase in orange juice prices compared to last year.

To address the challenges, some farmers are shifting to growing mandarins. These citrus fruits share similar qualities with oranges but have proven more resilient to extreme weather conditions.

source: thecooldown.com

photo: medicalnewstoday.com