There's a more positive outlook on this year's organic mandarin crop from California than last year at this time. "The supply is a lot better and it seems like fruit sizing is a little bit larger. We're getting better yields out of the field–compared to last year, I'd say we have maybe 20 percent more fruit than we did last year," says Mason Parkinson of Valliwide Organics.
The season on organic mandarins in California began two weeks ago. This season, the Satsuma crop and the clementine crop began at approximately the same time as last year. However last year, Valliwide's Page Mandarins did not start harvest until almost the end of December. "Right now they're fully colored and we're just waiting on sugar so there's a good chance we could start those two weeks earlier than last year," says Parkinson. "I don't know if that's a trend that will continue into Tangos, Murcotts, and all the later varieties."
As for demand, it is unusual at the moment. "We've had to send out more samples this year than any other year because some early fruit was tasting a bit mediocre. So if you have good-tasting fruit, demand is really good. It seems to be depending on flavor," Parkinson says, adding that this greater emphasis on flavor could be indicative of more fruit available in the marketplace. "Demand is still good but it's for the right fruit."
Stronger demand ahead?
That said, demand is expected to strengthen as Valliwide heads into the season of its better-eating clementines with good color, acidity that's not too high, and good sugar on fruit that isn't too sweet. Up next after that are varieties such as the Tango, which are juicy and easy to peel–two qualities consumers particularly appreciate.
These varieties are also more heavily planted which means there could be some larger promotions ahead. "Everybody in the citrus market knows how much acreage is in the ground so there's a really big push to move some volume once we get these high-quality varieties coming up," says Parkinson.
As for pricing, it's very similar right now to pricing last year at this time. "There seems to be a bigger range though this year compared to last year," says Parkinson. "Clementines are anywhere from $25-$37 depending on how well received products are." However once springtime varieties come on with greater volume expected, pricing could be more aggressive than it has been in previous years. "The springtime will be telling as far as what demand does when there are fewer holidays and more competitive options."
For more information:
Mason Parkinson
Valliwide Organics
Tel: +1 (559) 638-5595
https://www.vworganic.com/