Demand for Cyprus Late Ovals, including Morphou and Lefka oranges, has surpassed supply. Growers have reported elevated prices since March. Normally available until mid-May, the crop is expected to deplete by the end of March due to demand from markets such as Norway, New Zealand, and the Far East.
Growers receive £11 per thousand for Late Ovals and £12 for Valencia Lates. Shippers are focusing on new markets, reducing shipments to traditional destinations like the UK. Max Levin of the Citrus Marketing Board of Israel noted, "There has been a decline in post-war demand," highlighting low citrus consumption in the UK compared to Europe.
South Africa's citrus production faces challenges due to drought in the Eastern Province and hail in Natal, leading to a revised production estimate of just over 8 million cases for the season.
Source: Farmagusta Gazette