Citrus
All the news and market analysis for worldwide citrus Industry, including citrus growers, citrus production, and the import and export of citrus.
Spain set for shortest citrus crop in 16 years
Production 11 per cent down on last season and 14 per cent lower than the five-year average
South Africa ends citrus exports to Europe early
The Citrus Growers’ Association and Fresh Produce Exporters’ Forum of South Africa have announced an early closure of the 2025 citrus export season to Europe, describing it as a goodwill gesture to European producers
Ailimpo releases initial estimates for 2025/26 lemon and grapefruit harvest
Lemon production set to fall 18 per cent to 1.027mn tonnes, while grapefruit output is down 5 per cent at 101,660 tonnes
Citrus leads Egypt’s agricultural export charge
Citrus accounted for 1.9mn tonnes of the 7mn tonnes the country has exported so far this year
Orsero Group reports strong growth in half-year results
Italian fresh produce distributor records significant revenue and profit growth, with particularly strong performance in kiwifruit, grapes, fresh-cut and exotic fruit categories
Brazilian lime exports keep on growing
Fruit is now the country’s third most exported product, generating thousands of jobs in rural communities
Italian firms forge new connections at Asia Fruit Logistica
Companies including Infia, Origine Group, Unifrutti Group/Oranfrizer, RK Growers, Rivoira, and KiKoKà report successful meetings with existing and potential clients from across Asia at the international trade show
Fresh Del Monte launches Uruguayan oranges in European markets
The first shipments of Del Monte-branded oranges from Uruguay’s Salto region are set to be distributed across Europe next week, strengthening the company’s year-round fresh fruit supply strategy
Freshfel slams “asymmetric” EU-US trade deal for fresh produce
The European fresh produce association has voiced strong opposition to what it describes as an unfair trade agreement that removes tariffs for US exporters while maintaining significant barriers for EU producers
New Zealand fruit exports surge to NZ$2.96bn in 2025
New Zealand’s fruit export value climbed significantly in the first half of 2025, with total overseas sales showing a 27 per cent increase year-on-year
South African citrus growers boost sustainability efforts
SIZA reports significant improvements in environmental compliance as South Africa’s citrus season draws to a close, with a 55 per cent increase in environmental audits compared to last year
US tariffs push South Africa closer to Eastern markets
South Africa is rapidly expanding market access for its fresh produce in Eastern markets, particularly China and India, as US tariffs of 30 per cent force exporters to seek alternative destinations
Produce Plus Spring out now
Produce Plus Spring is headlined by a keynote interview with MOYA 2025 winner Sonia Gabauer. She reveals the keys to the successful Driscoll’s Australia Sweetest Batch Strawberries campaign. Plus, a wrap up of Hort Connections and features on berries, avocados, citrus and IFPSS 2025.
AC Foods and Legacy Packing partner with Tomra for packhouse upgrade
Upgrade is AC Foods’ largest investment in the Southern Hemisphere, expanding capacity fivefold
Sweet Sunrise grapefruit launches at Morrisons
Fresh Hub Group and Myton Food Group aim to reinvigorate grapefruit category with exclusive launch of Sweet Sunrise into Morrisons, following success of the Explore brand in grapes
Agrícola Bagu has big hopes for XLO clementine
Extra-large variety is one of the earliest clementines on the market
SummerStar Ruby grapefruit champions sustainability across European markets
A coalition of South African citrus growers has united to promote their new SummerStar Ruby grapefruit variety across Europe, emphasising not only its superior flavour but also its sustainable and ethical production credentials
First consignment of Ecuadorean Tango arrives in US
The shipment by Ecuagroimport marks a new milestone in the country’s product diversification strategy
Eosta launches Jucy Organic Raingrown oranges from Peru to Europe
European organic produce leader Eosta has introduced Jucy Gold Organic Raingrown oranges from Peru, featuring 45 per cent juice content and sustainable cultivation methods that rely solely on natural rainfall
South Africa revises citrus export forecast upward
Industry now expected to ship some 188mn (15kg) cartons – up from the pre-season predictions of 171mn cartons
Brazilian orange juice exporters face multimillion-dollar losses
Industry body says combined effect of tariffs and falling international prices could cost exporters US$536mn
Fresh Del Monte Produce announces avocado and lime joint venture with Colombia’s Managro
Facility enhances Fresh Del Monte’s year-round supply of avocados and limes to North America and Europe
South African citrus sector rethinks tactics in dispute with EU
Trump tariff interventions brings new focus to resolving dispute with Brussels
Maf Roda harnesses AI and robotics to advance postharvest technology
Company’s latest innovations have a strong focus on AI, smart robotics, and operational efficiency
Asia Fruit Logistica edition of Asiafruit out now
Bumper 30th anniversary issue includes exclusive industry panel breaking down Asia’s fresh produce market over the past three decades plus full preview of Asia Fruit Logistica and Asiafruit Knowledge Centre
South African growers yearn for soft landing as Trump tariffs bite
Exporters hope for the best but are already casting their eye at alternative markets
Chile moves to contain surge in fruit fly infestations
Frutas de Chile requests urgent approval of Bill providing SAG with greater and better tools to combat illegal fruit smuggling
Smaller Clemenules crop keeps Asian expansion plans in check
Castellón’s growers will focus on the European market due to lower production
South Africa continues talks with US over new tariffs
South African government officials are continuing discussions with US counterparts to address new 30 per cent tariffs on fresh produce exports, though diplomatic tensions appear to be rising
US tariff deadline looms for South African exporters
Citrus exporters from South Africa are rushing to ship their final consignments before new 30 per cent US tariffs take effect, while industry bodies warn of significant long-term consequences for the country’s R2.4bn citrus export market
Spanish grapefruit production on the rise
Output topped 100,000 tonnes for the first time in 2024/25 as exports continue to climb
South African exporters left hanging on for another seven days
South African fresh produce exporters have been granted a seven-day extension to address impending 30 per cent US tariffs, though industry sources believe higher duties are now unavoidable
Rubira and new Ailimpo president address the challenges facing sector
Minister highlighted need to work in a coordinated manner to ensure the profitability of the sector
South African citrus crop set to exceed 180mn cartons
South Africa’s citrus industry is on track to exceed 180mn cartons this season, representing an 11 per cent increase from May forecasts, with lemons and mandarins showing particularly strong growth
South African citrus growers pile pressure on president Ramaphosa
With just days before US tariffs triple from 10 per cent to 30 per cent, South Africa’s citrus industry has made an urgent appeal to president Cyril Ramaphosa to intervene and secure an extension that would save the current export season
South African citrus exports 18 per cent up at season midpoint
South African citrus exports apparently already surpassed last year’s volume, with the season only halfway through, according to Transnet Port Terminals