Import of American grapefruits in Japan in season 2006/2007

Florida grapefruit is selling fairly well in Japan compared to the previous two seasons when the Florida crop was significantly damaged by hurricanes. Japan's imports of grapefruit in 2006/07 are forecasted at 234.000 tons, up from only 153.000 tons the previous year. New crop Florida grapefruit began arriving in early October 2006 in Japan. Fruit flavor for the new crop was reportedly excellent and retailers are experiencing good sales. In the first quarter of the 2006/07 marketing year (October-December 2006), Japan imported 33.672 tons of grapefruit. This is double the October-December 2005 level. In the beginning of the season, many Tokyo-based supermarkets sold Florida grapefruit at US$1.70 per fruit and the retail price declined to US$1.35 per fruit as supplies started to increase in November.
Japan's imports of oranges are forecasted to decline to 110.000 tons, down about 4 % from last year. As with Korea, it is unclear whether other suppliers will be able to overcome the shortfall to the U.S. crop. During season 2005/06, the United States accounted for 75 % of Japan's imports of oranges. Australia, Chile, and South Africa were the other major suppliers.