Antonio Muñoz, incoming president of Spanish citrus-sector trade association Intercitrus, has said he will place more emphasis on increasing consumption than on limiting production to lift the fortunes of his industry.

Muñoz was voted in at the Intercitrus agm last week and represents the exporter sub-sector. He will hold office for a year at the association, which strictly rotates its presidency between the producer, exporter and processing sub-sectors.

He recognised that the increase in production was a potential problem for the sector, but said he was optimistic and highlighted that weather conditions thus far in the growing season are pointing to a very good quality crop of easy-peelers and oranges.

However, Muñoz’s ambitions will have to be achieved with an almost 50 per cent reduced spend on promotional campaigns for the 2006-07 season.

Spanish citrus will be promoted through three campaigns in 12 countries at a cost of e4.5million compared to last season’s six campaigns in 15 countries with a budget of e8m.

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