Arrufatina and Clemenules Supply Expected To Drop 30–40% in the 2022/23 Spanish Citrus Season

From W43, the Marisol clementine season will be replaced by the Arrufatina, followed by the Clemenules varieties in Spain. The Marisol clementine has been producing a good return of USD1/kg EXW Spain with the majority of clementines available in sizes 1, 2, and 3. However, for Arrufatina and Clemenules, 30–40% of the production is expected to be lost due to the spider problem in the fruits. The treatment to eradicate the cotonet pest in citrus has led to the disappearance of the spider's natural predator. This, together with the humidity and heat suffered in recent weeks, caused a wider spread of the spider in the field.

Regarding Satsuma mandarins, its early maturing Okitsu variety season is ending, which had an average price of USD 0.80-1.00/kg EXW Spain in W42, with all sizes available. The Owari variety Satsumas will be starting in W43 and it's expected to keep the same tendency. The current European demand for citrus is very high, so suppliers are not in a hurry to look for other potential markets besides Europe, especially with demand coming from Ireland, the UK, and Sweden.