2020/21, A Fruitful Season for Spanish Mandarins

Published 2021년 8월 10일

Spanish mandarins experienced a fruitful 2020/21 season. The three main varieties Tango, Nardorcott, and Orri had good yields, were high in quality, and fetched high market prices, especially towards the end of the season. Spanish oranges and lemons were also profitable this season. Global citrus consumption increased due to the effects of COVID-19, as demand for citrus products skyrocketed.

Tridge interviewed Manuel Madrid, a Spanish fruit industry expert, to gain insight. Madrid is also the Director of Fruit Profits, a fresh fruit, and vegetable consulting firm. The consultancy is in Spain and Costa Rica, specializing in innovation, technology, and process improvement for the agriculture sector. Fruit Profits conducts due diligence and valuation analysis of agribusiness assets or technology acquisitions for investment funds or individual investors.

“Late mandarins were harvested from January to May, and the quality, productivity, and the price were good. The three main varieties, Tango, Nadorcott, and Orri, had an average farmgate (EXW) price of EUR 1.00/kg (USD 1.18/kg). Patent law protects these three varieties. The wholesale market is only 20% of the total European market, with the other 80% going to supermarkets,” explained Madrid.

Increased demand pushes prices up

During the second part of the Spanish mandarin season, when the Clemenules stocks finished, purchase prices rose, especially for the Tango, Nadorcott, and Orri varieties. Throughout the whole season, prices have been high. Nadorcott and Tango mandarins rose in price from around EUR 0.60 (USD 0.71) per kilo to approximately EUR 1.00 (USD 1.18) per kilo. Although prices were lower when the season began, demand rose, and prices rebounded in the latter part of the campaign.

“Prices for 2020/21 were good. Prices for late variety mandarins in 2020 stood at EUR 0.80 (USD 0.95) per kg. However, early mandarin prices for 2021 rose to EUR 1.20 (USD 1.42) per kg. This has been fantastic for Spanish exporters. Due to COVID-19, people stayed home and bought fresh produce, especially citrus. 2021 was also good for oranges and lemons. I suspect that the current price range will remain for late mandarin varieties and lemon,” stated Madrid.

Producers seek to extend harvests

The Spanish mandarin season has ended successfully, with favorable prices, and demand remained high for most of the season. As a result, several growers are planning their production in a way that extends their harvests, to meet the rising citrus demand. Madrid forecasts that demand will remain high due to the effects of COVID-19.

“Currently, all major European markets are considering implementing lockdowns in winter. If that occurs, then mandarin and orange demand will remain high. It is also becoming more difficult for consumers to go to restaurants because you need a covid pass. As a result, supermarket fruit and vegetable sales have increased by 30% compared to the previous year,” explained Madrid.