Italy appreciates Spanish citrus fruit a lot, as prices are competitive and the fruit is available almost 12 months a year. This year, though, the entire sector is not doing so well, with prices at origin lower than last year for both oranges and lemons.
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"The last Fino lemons are available in fields and prices are low at €0.40-0.50," explains Giuseppe Iacovazzo, an Italian operator based in Spain.
"The production of the Verna variety is in full swing, though prices are at least €0.30-0.40 lower than last year. The Murcia region will of course be the highest producer this year as well, and growers are hoping for prices to increase. At the moment, processed extra-lemons sell at €0.70-0.80, good quality lemons with leaves sell at €0.65 and second category standard ones sell at €0.55 max."
Oranges also have low prices, but demand is still lively due to the cool temperatures in Europe. "Navel Lane Late, Chislett, Navel Powell and Valencia Late are destined to Italy. Excellent fruit with leaves sells at €0.38-0.43, so just imagine how little producers are making, without even mentioning harvesting and packaging costs."
"This year, Argentina is late due to various climate and weather problems, so Spain and Turkey have a few weeks' time to invade the European markets until the South-American produce becomes available. Anyway we must bear in mind that, for the first year, Argentina will start exporting large quantities to the US, so we will see how the market will go."
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"The price of Italian lemons is higher- a kg of Pgi lemons from Rocca Imperiale of the extra quality, for example, sells at €1.40-1.70."
Contacts:
Giuseppe Iacovazzo
Cell.: +34 6 04114494 / +39 351 2005303
Email: [email protected]