In W32 in the mandarin landscape, Chile's mandarin/tangerine production for 2022/23 is estimated to increase by 27% to 215 thousand tons due to newly established orchards reaching production and favorable precipitation leading to higher yields. In line with the increase in production, exports are estimated to increase by 25%, totaling 180 thousand tons. Chile's marketing year begins in April, and the period with the highest export activity is typically September. The United States (US) is the primary export destination, contributing to more than 95% of Chilean mandarin exports. Domestic consumption of Chilean mandarins is projected to be around 33 thousand tons, indicating an increase compared to the 2021/22.
In Spain, the decrease in production in the Valencia region is due to adverse weather conditions, including high temperatures during Mar-23 and Apr-23, unseasonably cold weather in May-23, and persistent rainfall. Furthermore, hailstorms have caused damage to the fruit, particularly impacting Satsumas, hybrids, and oranges, leading to significant declines in production. The initial prices for the primary orange and mandarin varieties in Valencia's Lonja de Cítricos are as follows: Navelina ranging from USD 0.23-0.33/kg (EUR 0.206-0.30/kg), Okitsu from USD 0.32-0.38/kg (EUR 0.289-0.35/kg), Oronules from USD 0.55-0.73/kg (EUR 0.50 to 0.67/kg), Marisol from USD 0.32-0.49/kg (EUR 0.289 to 0.45/kg), and Clemenules and Orogrande from USD 0.35-0.44/kg (EUR 0.32 to 0.40/kg).
Unió Llauradora has identified a physiopathology affecting oranges and mandarins, resulting in noticeable elongation and altered shape of fruits in Spain. It could be due to extreme weather conditions during the spring and summer, causing physiological damage and modification of plant behavior. Stress experienced during flowering could also contribute to the elongated appearance. While the extent of the damage is not concerning, it is being increasingly observed in citrus farms within the region of Valencia. The organization's general secretary in Spain has highlighted the potential impact of extreme weather events on plant behavior.
In the 2022/23 season, the district horticulture department reports a 14 thousand metric tons (mt) yield of locally grown Mandarin oranges on 1.8 hectares (ha) in Aloo in Arunachal Pradesh, India. Strategies such as proper site selection, suitable planting methods, soil and nutrient management, and appropriate orchard management need to be adopted to rejuvenate old orchards in the region.
Lastly, Japanese supermarkets are now introducing Satsuma mandarins from Peru, promoting their connection to Japanese ancestors who cultivated the citrus variety. Japan has a high demand for good quality, which demands tight regulation of additives and preservatives. However, Japanese importers are satisfied with the quality and safety of Peruvian mandarins and emphasize cooperation with Peruvian stakeholders to ensure these standards are met.