Between November and April, Morocco is a key supplier of citrus for Seven Seas. “We started the season with bringing early varieties like clementines into the US,” says Bill Weyland, VP of Sales with the company. The season followed with mid-season varieties Nour and Clemenules and the late-season Nadorcotts will be offered until April.
Volumes coming to the US are lower this year due to lower overall production. “This is caused by higher than usual temperatures and limited water availability, stressing the trees.” Morocco has had water issues for many years, but the situation is worse this year. “Due to a lack of rain, the government did impose irrigation restrictions during the growing season this past summer,” said Weyland. As a result, the trees didn’t get as much water and yields are lower. “Fruit harvested during the earlier part of the season was impacted by smaller sizes, but later season varieties will have a better size,” he shared.
Despite lower volumes being shipped, supply and demand seem to be pretty balanced this season. “Citrus is popular in winter for its vitamin C effect, but growth is flat at best,” Weyland commented. “We are faced with demand issues due to the current economic conditions. The price of produce in general is high and people have less money to spend.”
Challenging logistics
In addition to lower production levels, logistics have also added to the challenges this season. “There are two shipping methods out of Morocco,” said Weyland. “Either via containers or via break bulk ships.” Break bulk ships are the preferred shipping method as their schedules are more reliable. “Containers don’t always go directly to the US and could potentially cause more disruption. However, due to lower citrus volume available at the start of the season, quantities weren’t justifying the use of vessels, and the industry was forced to use containers instead.” On a positive note, CMA and MSC are now calling on Morocco. CMA is offering a new service out of Tangiers since the end of January. “Although they are looking for a certain volume, we are hopeful this will better service the citrus industry in Morocco.”
Fruit Logistica Berlin
Seven Seas is a year-round supplier of citrus and many other produce items to destinations globally and has been a familiar face at Fruit Logistica Berlin for the past 15+ years. “We are looking forward to catching up with our customers face-to-face and meeting new customers at Messe Berlin next week,” said Weyland. The team onsite will represent different parts of the globe, including the US, South America, and South Africa. Visit Tom Lange and the Seven Seas team in Hall 23, booth A-04 from February 7 - 9.
For more information:
Bill Weyland
Seven Seas
Tel: (+1) 732-634-1109
bweyland@sevenseastlc.com
www.sevenseasfruit.com