The lemon season in Murcia is underway after a slight delay in the harvest, and although sales have been relatively stagnant since November, reasonable prices are still paid for good quality fruit.
"This year we have a good production in terms of volume, although smaller than last year's, when we reached an all-time record production which had disastrous consequences for the whole sector," says Enrique Fuentes, Sales Director of the Spanish company Hijos de Alberto del Cerro. "The autumn rains have been rather beneficial for the lemons in Murcia, where we had a particularly dry spring and an abundance of small sizes due to the lack of water."
The grower and exporter says that despite the good harvest, prices have not been negatively affected. "Compared to last season, the harvest is slightly smaller and there is no oversupply. Although sales have been rather stagnant since November, the fact that the supply is under control is making it possible to keep prices at reasonable levels, also for the producers."
"It's good that there's greater balance this season after two difficult campaigns, especially last season, when around 20% of the production was left unharvested due to the collapse in prices," he says.
Enrique Fuentes is confident that in the coming weeks, with Christmas around the corner, the demand for lemons will pick up again. "Lemon consumption tends to increase in the run-up to Christmas. We are also expecting the supply of lemons from Turkey to start falling from January onwards. It looks as if we'll be able to extend the Primofiori lemon season a little longer this year."
"It is worth noting that many European retailers are opting for Spanish lemons because they are offered at reasonable prices and have a good reputation in terms of food safety. Many European chains prefer Spanish lemons even though they cost a few cents more than those from third countries," says Enrique Fuentes.
Although Egypt's lemon production continues to increase every year, the Sales Director of Hijos de Alberto del Cerro says that "Spain will continue to have a very competitive logistical position in Europe compared to other countries."
For more information:
Enrique Fuentes
Hijos de Alberto del Cerro
Tel.: +34 968600162
Tel.: +34 696982440
[email protected]
www.albertodelcerro.com