Israeli grapefruit growers have record export volumes at their disposal and are anticipating a good season as they fulfil their programmes and fill some of the holes that have been blown in the hurricane-torn citrus market.
An excellent growing season has meant an increase in volumes, leaving the Israelis in a strong position to meet some of the shortfall from hurricane-damaged areas of Florida and Cuba, said Dov Warmen, md of Mehadrin Tnuport Export (MTEX).
The first grapefruit arrivals are due in the UK, with Sunrise initially, followed by Marsh a week later. Warmen is expecting demand to be high due to the problems in Florida.
He said: “At the beginning of our season we believe there’s a big opportunity for us to increase quantities in the UK as the quality, appearance and increased volumes can allow us to do it.”
The limited volumes from other sources could also give MTEX an opportunity to establish the Sweetie green variety in the UK, he said. “It may be an opportunity to educate UK consumers. In the past they’ve thought it wasn’t mature because of the colour.”
MTEX exports around 80 to 85 per cent of Israeli citrus, of which 30 per cent comes to the UK, said Warmen. The country’s growers have experienced superb conditions between blossoming and the setting of fruit. Overall, MTEX expects to ship around 120,000 tonnes to the UK this year.
Only one variety is likely to register a fall he said: “Our red grapefruit, Sunrise, has fallen by around 10 per cent, although at the moment we’re not quite sure exactly why.”
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