The Australian citrus season has been pretty good according to Sam Vasala from Sai World. The season started late and sizes were small, but demand and prices were good.
“The Valencia prices are now sky-high due less volumes from other countries, the juice price is also high. Our sizes are small this year which is not always the best, but demand should remain high until supply from the northern hemisphere kicks in. North America is late, but Egypt is running on time.”
Navels were strong and remained so until the end of the season. Sai World exported citrus into China for the first time this season and Sam said that that it went well.
“The Navel export went very well; we have now finished but it was good until the end. The Chinese early Navels are now on the market so it good that we finished when we did. We had a good response from our Chinese customers and we will go in stronger next season.”
Sam is looking forward to the cherry and stone fruit seasons as weather conditions have been very good.
“We struggled last year because of the wet weather, it was difficult to get the brix levels but the stone fruit is already achieving 12 brix which is very promising. Tasmania is forecast to get rain over the weekend , saying that it’s only a forecast and might miss us, even if it does it should not affect the cherries as it is too early, in fact I think it will be good for them as it has been so dry."
The great start to the stone fruit season bodes well for grapes and the next citrus season, we have had three bad years and are really looking forward to a good one.
For more information:
Sam Vasala
Sai World Pty Ltd
Tel: +61 (07) 5641 2217
Mob: +61470406579
Email: sam@saiworld.com.au
www.saiworld.com.au