The 2022/23 Greek Orange Season Is Ongoing With High Prices, Low Demand, and Low Supply

Due to drought, the 2022/23 Greek orange season has a very low yield, primarily consisting of medium to small-sized Navelina and Navel oranges. Farmers in Argos' growing areas reported no precipitation from August to October 2022, and November appears to be dry and warm. Meanwhile in Arta and Agrinio in Western Greece, the extra humidity helped produce larger oranges, although there is a low yield per hectare. The Greek citrus sector is in a structural crisis, with each season worse than the previous, but it is saved by domestic distribution networks and EU subsidies.

However, if high inflation level persist, the domestic market will shift from locally produced to imported oranges in the winter. Exporters are struggling since neither quality nor price can compete with Spain, Turkey, or Moroccan-origin citrus. This is due to production and packing costs being at the highest level of the last decade, especially for labour, electricity, gas, packing materials, and logistics, which push prices up while market demand drops. Greek citrus market players await the commencement of the Egyptian citrus season and fear a total export crash.