W23: Mandarin Update

In W23 in the mandarin landscape, Chilean mandarin production will increase by 26.5% in MY 2022/23, reaching a total of 215 thousand mt due to improved yields and the establishment of new orchards. Additionally, mandarin exports are projected to increase by 26.5% to reach 180 thousand mt, with the U.S. accounting for 95% of exports. Chile gained market access to Mexico using an enhanced inspection system. Isabelina is a new Chilean seedless mandarin variety developed by the Citrus Genetic Improvement Program at the Catholic University. It boasts early ripening, peeling, vibrant orange color, and seedlessness, making it a potential solution for farmers looking to expand cultivation to southern regions. The US is the primary destination for Chilean citrus exports, and the Citrus Genetic Improvement Program seeks to reconquer that market with this quality seedless fruit. The market demand for ponkan tangerines remains high due to their attractive retail price in Brazil. However, prices have recently experienced a decline due to an increase in supply. In W23, ponkan tangerines were sold at an average price of USD 12.86/27kg box (BRL 62.51/27kg box), reflecting a 6.6% decrease in WoW.

The Eastern Cape, South Africa campaign will start and end the earliest with all of its citrus, including late mandarins, in at least thirteen years. Tangos are testing perfectly in W23, and Clementine Nules and Novas are finishing off this week. Asian demand for late mandarins has grown significantly in the past two years, leading to high prices. Lastly, the Ministry of Agriculture in Sri Lanka has decided to establish a mandarin orange zone in Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and Badulla districts due to a great demand for mandarin oranges imported from foreign countries. The government of Sri Lanka imported 2,407t of oranges in 2022 and 7,773t in 2019.