Spain’s satsuma crop could fall by as much as 40 per centthis season as a result of a massive reduction in production across much ofValencia, while late season clementine volumes are also expected to be shorter thanthe previous campaign.
According to industry sources, this year’s satsuma harvestis likely to be between 30 and 40 per cent lower than last season as producersin the key production region of Valencia switch to more profitable crops.
The move away from satsuma cultivation by growers inValencian provinces such as Castellón, where almost all Spanish production ofthe variety is concentrated, is understood to have been prompted bythe consistently poor prices received in key markets – principally the UK andScandinavia.
“The UK and Scandinavia have not paid any money for satsumasto the growers and this is the reason there will be very little fruit thisseason,” a leading citrus marketer told Fruitnet.
In some parts of Valencia region, satsumas have been largelyreplaced by clementine production, according to the source, a crop that offersa higher yield per tree and a better net return for growers.
However, late clementine volumes also look likely to be shorterthis season, particularly in Castellón province, as a result of flower setproblems during the spring and summer months, which could mean less fruit isavailable in November and December.
