Shortage of Early Spanish Mandarins Result in High Market Prices

The 2022/23 Spanish mandarins (satsuma iwasaki) campaign continues with a pronounced shortage in W38 that is generating high returns to the Spanish producers due to high market prices. The lack of Spanish production is due to the heat waves suffered in recent weeks, which have not allowed the fruit to evolve optimally. However, 30% reduced mandarin exports from Peru and South Africa to Europe are also contributing to high European prices as these origins are prioritising other markets like the US.

The shortage of Spanish mandarins is expected to continue while the first varieties, such as Iwasaki, Okitsu, Clemenrubi, Oronules, will be present in the market. Until November volumes are expected to be 50% less compared to last season. It is expected that when Clemenules starts in November, it will help to regulate the market, as it seems that the evolution of this variety is progressing normally.

The main destinations for Spanish mandarins as of W38 (and in coming weeks) are the UK, Sweden, Switzerland and Germany, countries where the returns for the producer are higher. Prices in general are around USD 0.80-1.00/kg EXW.