W4: Orange Weekly Report

Brazil

Third Week of Egyptian Oranges of the 2022 Crop in the Brazilian Market During W4 (Jan 28)

The Egyptian Navel oranges of the 2022 crop entered their third week in the Brazilian market during W4. The wholesale market has steady prices between USD 15.7-16.7/15kg (BRL 80-85/15kg) for calibers 40 and 48 on class 1, and around USD 14.7/15kg (BRL 75/15kg) for class 2. The Spanish Navel oranges are the competition as the prices stand around USD 20-22/14kg (BRL 100-110/14kg) on the same calibers and CAT 1. The prices for Egyptian Navel oranges are forecasted to remain at the same levels until the end of the crop season at the end of W4.

United States of America

After California Had Severe Weather, Smaller-Sized Navel Oranges Were Harvested in W4 (Jan 25)

After a long period of extreme rainfalls has stopped in California, United States, navel orange suppliers are finally able to restart regular harvesting, packing, and loading for export. Even though fine and favorable weather is coming back, it is yet to enhance fruit size growth, as recent crops of Washington variety consist still heavily of smaller fruit like 88pc/ctn and 113pcs/box (both equal sizes) in W4. For example, those two size counts combined may fill roughly 50% of the container load. The industry is forecasted to achieve large fruit like 56pc/ctn and 72pcs/box in March. In January 2023, late varieties like Late-Lane or Navel-Late were available, with better size growth expected this season, both varieties are yet to mature enough and are much more susceptible to rainfalls during the first half of January.

Italy 

Low Temperatures in Sicily Boost the Quality of Tarocco Oranges (Jan 27)

The sudden drop in temperature in Italy had positive effects on the quality of orange production in Sicily. In 2022, due to a warmer winter, the quality of oranges was negatively affected, while this year there are visible improvements both in terms of pigmentation and taste. Both factors have generated an increase in demand, especially for smaller calibers, ideal for juices.

Prices experienced a small increase mostly due to higher energy costs and increased demand. Tarocco orange is the most sought after variety in the country. The EXW prices for Tarocco orange 77-88 calibers range from USD 2.03-2.39/kg, an increase of 9% YoY. The highly requested smaller calibers, such as Tarocco oranges calibers 64-73, trade between USD 1.41-1.74/kg, an increase of 12% YoY.

Morrocco

A Mix of Valencia and Navel Oranges Are Landing in the Northeast From Morocco During W4 (Jan 25)

The oranges landing in the Northeast USA from Morocco during W4 are a mix of Valencia and Navel varieties. However, retailers are primarily interested in Navel or Valencia oranges, not mixed fruit. Some of the fruit has inconsistent sizing as boxes have weighed around 15-17kg while maintaining a price of USD 20-24, making it difficult to compete against the 40lbs navels from California. Prices for larger fruit 88s/72s 40lbs navels ranged from USD 17-18 FOB, and USD 22.

Uzbekistan

In Uzbekistan, Over the Past Three Weeks, the Price of an Orange Has Risen by a Third (Jan 28) 

The average wholesale price for oranges in Uzbekistan increased from UZS 12-16K/kg from January 6 to 27, 2023. In the same period in 2022, prices had decreased by 13%, and in 2021 by 10%. EastFruit's monitoring shows that prices have risen 33% in the last three weeks. As of January 27, 2023, the average wholesale price for oranges in Uzbekistan is 14% higher than on the same date in 2022. However, the dynamics of the wholesale prices over the past period of January 2023 have a completely opposite trend, unlike the same period in previous years.