Strong Dominance of US Lemons in the Japanese Market Thanks to Its Packaging/Specifications

Some needs for US lemons by the Japanese market are anticipated to stay consistent despite specific drawbacks like arrival delays or rising import costs brought on by a weaker Japanese Yen in the early 2022–2023 season. The US superiority in quality, over other origins available simultaneously like Turkey, comes from two factors; one is quality advantages from a plant-quarantine-standpoint, where the US is not required cold-treatment. The other is familiarity in its packaging/specification thanks to long-existence in the market with a Net 18kg box, a weight rarely used by other origins where 15kg-box-use is essential. Even though some citrus importers tried to promote Turkish or South African lemons in 15kg boxes, they ended up experiencing some marketing difficulties in conversions to specific consumer-packing or retail sales due to weight differences. To respond to typical demands, one Turkish citrus supplier has installed an 18kg box, and now several years of practice in its Japan export, not only with lemons but also with oranges.