The North American citrus market is likely to be in short supply in mid-May due to an anticipated early finish to both the California and Florida seasons.
According to industry sources, there could be a gap on the market for “at least one month or more” as the Southern Hemisphere citrus import deal comes into play.
Unlike normal, importers say the Southern Hemisphere and California citrus seasons are not expected to come close to overlapping each other since the latter’s mandarin and navel deal looks set to end early.
The outlook is set to buoy hopes for South African orange suppliers who will enter the market in mid-June.
Both South Africa and Australia are forecast to ship more citrus to North America this season, according to importers.
The full report will be published in the April/May issue of Americafruit Magazine.
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