Chile: The import orange season has been difficult in the US

Published 2024년 9월 30일

Tridge summary

This season has presented significant challenges for the imported orange market, with supply shortages from both Chile and South Africa. The shortfall in Chile is attributed to cold weather, while in South Africa, heavy rains have been the primary cause, leading to a 20-30% drop from initial projections. The availability of certain sizes has fluctuated throughout the season, with a notable shortage of larger sizes in South Africa. The transition to Midknight Valencia oranges from both countries is underway, offering a respite with more fruit available for bagging due to their larger sizes. However, the loss of a South African vessel due to handling issues has further tightened the market. Despite these challenges, demand for navel oranges remains strong, ensuring good prices for available fruit. The orange supply is expected to last until the end of October, at which point national retail programs will take over.

Disclaimer:The above summary was generated by Tridge's proprietary AI model for informational purposes.

Original content

It has been a tough season for imported oranges, both from Chile and South Africa. “Supplies have been tight all season,” says GT Parris of Seald Sweet. In both Chile and South Africa, supplies are down 20-30% from initial forecasts at the start of the campaign. “The reason is the cold weather in Chile and heavy rains in South Africa at the start of the harvest,” explains Parris. In both regions, there has also been a shortage of produce every week, especially for certain sizes. The season started with a shortage of large sizes (48, 56, 40) in South Africa (which starts earlier than Chile). “Then, mid-season, the situation started to change. Because of the rain and ripening on the tree, the situation changed and the fruit started to grow. We now have more 48s, more 56s and less of the bagging sizes, 88 and 105, which is a more stressed market now,” says Parris. “So it’s been a tough season, to say the least.” Transition to Valencia oranges At the moment, Navel oranges are still ...

Source: Comitedecitricos