The demand for clementines and oranges remains higher than the supply in peak consumption periods. The abundant rains recorded in Spain between October and November have made harvesting difficult and has taken a toll on the yields, and the ripening has been delayed due to the temperatures, which are higher than usual for this time of year.
"For two weeks, the persistent rains have hardly allowed us to harvest fruit. The rains have been heavier in the province of Valencia, causing severe damage in several growing areas. In the province of Castellon, the rainfall has been more moderate, but more persistent," says Silvana Sorlí, from the family company Frutas Sorli, located in Alcalá de Xivert, in the north of the province of Castellon.
Sisters Silvana, Luisa and Núria Sorli, exhibiting at Fruit Attraction.
All the varieties that were at a more advanced stage of ripening at the time have been affected by the excess water, so the amount of fruit that could be marketed has been reduced and the already expected lower yields in clementines have fallen even more. "Fortunately, thanks to the high level of dedication in our fields, we have managed to keep the reduction in check, but in general, there have been notable losses in clementine production," says Silvana.
"Also, temperatures have so far been higher than usual, which has slowed down the fruit's coloring process. In fact, the harvest of the first Navelinas has been delayed by almost two weeks," she says. "We are keeping a close eye on the fruit's growth in the fields where we believe quality selection will be key to avoiding problems in our facilities and, above all, at the product's final destination."
"Given all these factors, the market supply of oranges and clementines has been greatly reduced and the demand is still greater than the supply," says the grower and exporter. "Generally, importers are reluctant to pay higher prices, depending on availability and bearing in mind that production costs haven't changed."
Frutas Sorlí produces and sells mainly mandarins, oranges and, to a lesser extent, lemons and avocados, mainly to France, where there have been protests and road blockades by French producers at the border in recent days.
"The protests in France have forced us to stop our exports for at least two days, as we are currently packing mainly clementines with leaf, which we harvest, pack and dispatch in less than 24 hours to ensure our customers receive the freshest possible product."
"The fruits with leaf are more sensitive and should be consumed earlier. If the quality can be compromised, we prefer to stop shipments. We have to deliver a perfect product to our customers; this is something we are adamant about. Fortunately, the protests seem to be dissipating and we are going to be able to resume our exports," says Silvana Sorlí.
For more information:
Silvana Sorlí
Frutas Sorlí S.L.U.
Camí Sant Miquel, 5A
12570, Alcalà de Xivert. Castellón. Spain
[email protected]
www.frutassorli.com