W47: Weekly Lemon and Lime Update

Turkey

Turkey’s Top Exports of Fresh Produce in October 2022 (Nov 23)

Turkey exported 412,855MT of fresh fruits and vegetables in October 2022. The most exported fresh produce were mandarins followed by grapes and lemons. Mandarins were shipped for USD 46.3M, a 19% decrease YoY from USD 56.9 in 2021, grapes for USD 39.2M, a 29% decrease YoY from USD 55.5M in 2021, and lemons for USD 32.8M, a 16% decrease YoY from USD 39.2M in 2021. The highest exports were to Russia, totaling USD 95M, followed by Germany at USD 17.2M and Ukraine at USD 14.9M.

United States

Strong Dominance of Us Lemons in the Japanese Market Thanks to Its Packaging/Specifications (Nov 25)

Some needs for US lemons by the Japanese market to stay consistent despite specific drawbacks like arrival delays or rising import costs brought on by weaker Japanese Yen in the early 2022–2023 season. The US's superiority in quality, over other origins available simultaneously like Turkey, comes from two factors: 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.

Brazil

Brazil: Even Still at a High Level, the Price of Tahiti Has a Sharp Drop (Nov 25)

Although the values of Tahiti acid lime are still at high levels, they have dropped significantly in recent days, according to data from Cepea. In the partial this week (from Monday to Thursday), the variety has an average of USD 13.23/box of 27 kg (BRL 68.61/box of 27 kg), harvested, a decrease of 16.07% compared with the previous one.

Italy

Italian Citrus Exports in 2022 May Be Affected by Rising Logistical Costs (Nov 22)

The production for the current Italian citrus campaign has increased by 6.5% YoY compared to November 2021. Citrus exports, one of the biggest contributors to Italian agribusiness and valued at USD 241M in 2021, may be affected as a result of rising energy costs, which affect transportation and utility bills. According to Sicilian growers, EXW prices have registered only a 6% YoY rise compared to 2021, while DAP prices increased by 25% YoY. For W46, lemons Primofiore are sold for USD 0.90-0.97/kg in Palermo, Napoli, and Bari, and for USD 1.20-1.40/kg in Milan and Turin. Prices for clementines range from USD 1.15-1.20/kg in southern Italy and range at USD 1.55/kg in northern Italy.

Spain

Lemon and Grapefruit Market in Spain From November 7 to 13, 2022 (Nov 23)

The Lemon and grapefruit market situation for W45 and prices for Fine Lemon All Lemon (Murcia) stood at USD 0.38-0.44/kg (EUR 0.36-0.42/kg). No novelties in origin where interest is only focused on the all-lemon modality with price references depending on the conditions of each batch, size of the fruit, optimum harvest date, and destruction. In the market, the trend of W46 continues, with calm demand typical of November 2022 in which consumption always shows signs of weakness. Waiting for the reactivation of consumption in December 2022.