The tasty citrus fruits from Spain, Italy and Greece are in peak season from October to May. Due to the increased heat waves and dry spells this summer there have been water shortages that will result in a decrease in overall availability and increased prices.

Spain

The Spanish citrus crop is experiencing significant product shortages, particularly for clementines and lemons. The low availability of clementines may cause stronger demand for satsumas. Clemenules are expected to have a crop loss of 40% in their October-December harvest season in the main Tarragona area. Mandarins have their season start in January – here it is too early to make estimates.

For September, Primofiori lemons are announced with about 20% lower availability and for March, the Verna variety with about 40% lower availability. This will lead to an overall increase in market prices.

The orange season starts in Spain at the beginning of November. Oranges are expected to have a high quality season with a wide variety of calibers, with somewhat lower availability expected in the first half of the season.

Italy

In Italy, too, the harvest situation has to bow to the numerous weather caprices. The extreme heat caused the blossoms of the smaller lemon varieties, which were to be harvested in October, to drop prematurely. Compared to last year’s yield losses of up to 20% are expected here. In addition the risk of bottlenecks in the water supply increases as the drought continues.

Although significant harvest losses are forecast here, good sales opportunities are expected due to the increased demand for Italian produce. Compared to last season’s high production, clementines, mandarins and juice oranges are starting the season with much lower availability. Overall, however, this decline is at a normal level in a multi-year comparison. Availability is currently expected to remain unchanged for navel oranges, which will be in season from November, depending on the temperature.

Greece

The Greek orange and clementine crop also shows reduced availability. On the whole, however, the season is expected with regular quantities.