The supply of lemons is improving out of California's District One. "It's peaking on larger fruit with smaller fruit being still somewhat limited. However District Two crops are going to provide a lot more supply here in the next few weeks heading into the Easter holiday," says Joshua Schwartz of Four Seasons Produce Inc. In all that's making for an abundant supply of lemons throughout March and heading into April.
It's a slightly different picture from this time last year when the crop had a better array of sizes. This year's sizing is largely due to all the rain that California had during the bloom season.
California is supplying the majority of lemons in the U.S. right now with District One providing about 80 percent of supply and District Two providing the remainder. However, there is also some volume from Spain on the East Coast. "I think it will be strong from here on out from California. You'll see Mexican and Argentinian fruit in August and September and Chile will also play a nice role here as well in the summer months with supply issues," says Schwartz. "Overall we see a nice steady approach throughout the remainder of the year on lemons."
Promotable large fruit
As for demand, it's been consistent for lemons. "We only see demand increase here as the change of season begins and the warmer weather approaches," says Schwartz. With the tight supply of smaller sizes, there are also more promotions on larger sizes with them being more abundant.
This means that Choice fruit pricing right now is very promotable while Fancy fruit is getting promotable. "It's not quite there like Choice is. On smaller fruit, the market is high and it will remain high, even with District Two coming in," Schwartz says.
For more information:
Joshua Schwartz
Four Seasons Produce
Tel: +1 (717) 721-2800
https://www.fsproduce.com/