Asian Citrus Holdings have announced a rise in orange sales prices, after revealing the production volume of its 2013 summer crop is 18.4 per cent down on the corresponding period last year.
The company has pointed to the extensive spread of the citrus canker infection within its Hepu plantation as the reason for the decline.
Selling prices are expected to increase by 0.4 per cent to both supermarkets and wholesalers as a result of the smaller production volume, however the company is confident of supplying the 58,600 tonnes it has committed in contracts.
In January, the company announced it expected a significant reduction in revenue and profit generated from its agricultural sector for the financial year ending 30 June 2013.
