A well-balanced season of citrus supply is anticipated from the Mediterranean region.
Early indications are for greater availability from Spain, less fruit from Morocco and increases across some lines from Turkey and Israel, with decreases in others.
The forecasts were released at a teleconference held last week among citrus industry representatives from European trade body Freshfel and southern hemisphere umbrella group Shaffe.
Spain, a major supplier onto the UK market, is forecast to increase orange production by nine per cent, although there is concern among Spanish sector representatives that large volumes from South Africa remain on the market.
Easy-peel output will rise by five per cent and lemon and grapefruit crops by 20 and 10 per cent respectively. Delays of some 10 to 20 days are being experienced depending on variety.
Meanwhile in Morocco orange exports are forecast to fall this season as demand from the domestic market increases. New plantings of easy-peel Afourer are coming on stream but later varieties are expected to experience a decline in output.
Industry representatives from Turkey reported that lemon and easy-peel crops are expected to show increases, especially Mayer lemons, and although Interdonato volumes look likely to be down, fruit size is such that exports will be similar to last season.
Israel has been having a torrid time in terms of weather conditions and flowering of Shamouti and grapefruit was light during the spring.
A very hot summer means a reduction in planted area is therefore expected to lead to reduced output of Shamouti and Valencia oranges, as well as Marsh and Sweetie grapefruit. The rising trend of easy-peelers will continue again this year.
The UK market has been slow for oranges through August and September and importer representatives told the teleconference that demand for Navel is light.
However, with last shipments of citrus from Argentina and South Africa this week, demand for Valencia Late oranges is expected to build.
