The 2024/25 citrus season ends with an extremely positive balance for the Italian company Agrusib. The company's president, Domenico Oriolo, confirmed that sales have increased significantly, with an estimated growth of about 50 percent compared to the previous year, if not more. This result was made possible by the new facilities built in previous years, which are now starting to produce.
Late season oranges have been particularly successful. Demand for these oranges has increased worldwide. "Last year they were on sale in May, this year in February," says Oriolo, highlighting the early release due to a shortage of supply in several international markets. "In Spain, for example, there has been a severe shortfall, and the same is true in other producing countries. As a result, demand has increased significantly, and prices have remained very rewarding."
© Soc. Coop. AGRUSIB a.r.l.
A year that started early and ended early
The harvest of citrus fruit began between the end of September and the beginning of October with the early clementines, followed by the traditional varieties such as the common clementine and the Hernandina, which made it possible to extend the season until the end of January. Product quality was high, with fruit of good size and excellent organoleptic characteristics.
Similarly, oranges have shown a good upswing, thanks to the introduction of new virus-free varieties, such as the Navel VCR, which has a high sugar content and a larger caliber than traditional varieties. "The traditional Navel, which was of good quality but small in size, has now disappeared," says Oriolo. "This has made it possible to obtain more remunerative selling prices, in line with the growing demand for premium quality products."
Market trend: Decline in domestic consumption and boom in exports
On the commercial side, there was a slight decline in domestic consumption, which was largely offset by an increase in foreign demand. Exports played a key role," says Oriolo. "Eastern European countries have become more demanding in terms of quality. While they used to accept smaller sizes, they now want fruit that meets the standards demanded by Western markets. This evolution has made it possible to maintain high sales volumes abroad at competitive and sustainable prices for producers."
© Soc. Coop. AGRUSIB a.r.l.
"With regard to the Western European markets, Germany and France show a certain appreciation of the Italian product, which gives a certain attraction to exports. The situation is different in the Netherlands and Scandinavia, where the dominance of Spanish production is still difficult to undermine. These are markets that we keep a close eye on, but our main focus remains elsewhere," adds Oriolo.
Weather conditions and the critical situation in the lemon sector
Weather conditions had a significant impact on the citrus campaign, shortening it by about 20 days. Heavy rainfall and unusually high temperatures at the end of the year caused the water spot phenomenon in the common clementines, reducing the amount of product available on the market and bringing the season to an early end.
While the season was positive for oranges and clementines, the same cannot be said for lemons, which are going through a very difficult phase. "A lot of new lemon trees have been planted in the last decade, and now we have a production surplus that is depressing prices," Oriolo explained. "The main problem is that lemons are not consumed as often as oranges or clementines, and large retailers have no interest in encouraging their purchase through promotions."
"This situation has led to a general decline in the profitability of the sector, aggravated by the increase in foreign imports. Unlike other crops, where demand tends to compensate for any imbalances, in the case of lemons, overproduction is causing serious difficulties for many producers," added the president of Agrusib.
© Soc. Coop. AGRUSIB a.r.l.
Despite the critical issues related to lemons and weather conditions, Agrusib closes the citrus season with great satisfaction and looks to the future with optimism. "The Rojo Brillante persimmons also had an excellent year, with high quality and a constant increase in production year after year," concludes Oriolo.
The company is now preparing for the next citrus campaign. The aim is to consolidate the results achieved and to meet new market challenges with increasingly targeted and innovative strategies.
For more information:
Soc. Coop. AGRUSIB a.r.l.
Registered office: Via Campo Sportivo,62
Head office: C.da Cafasi
87011 Cassano Allo Ionio (CS)
+39 340 9150410
info@sibarina.it
www.sibarina.it