Stas Poluektov, representative of the Russian importer Eurofruit-SPb, assured that the citrus market in Russia (particularly mandarins and limes) is in a much worse situation than last year. Stas says that "due to an oversupply of citrus in the Russian market, prices have been too low. There is too much fruit in the market, which has had a great impact on prices."
One of the main reasons why there is too much citrus in the Russian market is because of the great volume of citrus imported from South Africa, which has affected Argentinian citrus and the industry as a whole. Those most benefited from this oversupply have been the Russian consumers, who have had much cheaper fruit due to the huge supply.
Eurofruit-SPb expects to continue importing Argentinian citrus until the end of October, and if necessary, the season will be extended until November. Stas Poluektov expects the market to stabilise in August, which is when better prices are expected for Argentinian citrus.