The ripening of Spanish Orri mandarins is ahead of schedule in a season that is expected to be shorter, with a 25 -30% lower production compared to the record volume of the 2023/2024 campaign.
Just as the harvest of the first part of the mandarin and orange season started significantly earlier this year in the main producing areas compared to last year due to the influence of the weather, the second part of the season is also starting ahead of schedule and is expected to be shorter compared to last season, with forecasts pointing to a smaller production.
"Forecasts point to a similar Orri season to that of two years ago, with very good calibers," says Guillermo Soler, manager of the Orri Running Committee (ORC). "Clementines from the first part of the season, such as the Clemenules, are finishing earlier due to a lower production, either because of lower yields or because of the losses caused by the abundant rainfall."
"The fruit's internal ripening is also ahead for second season varieties in the early areas, even for varieties such as Orri, which we believe could be ready to be harvested in mid to late January in the earliest areas. Until recently, temperatures have been too mild for this time of year, which has made skin degreening processes necessary for the fruit's marketing. However, with the drop in temperatures over the last few days, mandarins are rapidly acquiring the right color in the early areas," says Soler.
Although the production will be between 25 and 30% smaller than last year's, the ORC manager recalls that last season's figures were record-breaking.
"As far as we know, the Orri's growing areas have not been significantly affected by the storms and floods which severely hit the province of Valencia. Also, the persistent rains recorded between the end of October and mid-November, which did affect some early season varieties, have been beneficial for the Orri variety, causing sizes to grow even more, so this year is expected to be a very good one," says Soler.
"With good quality fruit, an earlier season and a lower supply of mandarins, we expect the demand for the Orri to be higher this year. We are also going to organize promotional campaigns to boost its consumption, which has been growing slightly year after year," says Guillermo Soler.
For more information:
Orri Running Committee
www.orcspain.es