“Mandarin imports are abundant from Morocco and Spain,” says Rick Hudson with AMC North America in Fresno, Ca. “It’s very similar to around this time last year.” Competition meanwhile is coming from California.
Tree ripe Spanish nules
Demand could go up
Matching that abundance is a healthy demand for mandarins. “It’s increased steadily with good varieties and marketing,” says Hudson. “There’s still room for significant growth in consumption. The fruit provides a healthy snack and has many culinary uses that should be promoted.”
Pricing in the meantime is low compared to where it was a few weeks ago, says Hudson. “Typically we would see imported fruit at $34-$36 on 10/3# bags and currently we are at $24-$26 with some programs at $28.00,” says Hudson. “Compared to a year ago, we are slightly lower.”
Short in Morocco
Looking ahead, Hudson anticipates the slowdown in a supply from Spain. “The Nules are maturing to the point that they will not make the trip,”Hudson says. “Morocco has a short crop this year on the Nour variety. Demand and pricing could increase as California may experience a gap in January.”
Citrus Genesis test plot in Valencia, Spain
However come February to June, supplies of the Orri variety from Israel should have good availability. “The Orri’s have been around for a few years, but with limited volume. Our innovation platform in Spain--Citrus Genesis--is focused on developing new varieties of seedless mandarins and some of these new varieties will be introduced to the market in the next two or three years.”
For more information:
Rick Hudson
AMC North America
Tel: +1- 559-486-3030
[email protected]
www.amcna.com