The Argentine region of Tucumán is expected to ship the first lemons of the season to Russia in mid-April, with harvests already underway, website Lagaceta.com.ar reported.

The world's largest lemon-producing region is expected to record an oversupply this season, with the Tucumán Citrus Association (ATC) expecting a 26% rise in production to 1.2 million metric tons (MT), the story reported.

"Expectations are cautious, measured, especially as we are expecting higher receptivity mainly in the European market," ATC boss Roberto Sánchez Loria was quoted as saying.

La Gaceta highlighted a general consensus the fruit was of good quality but not at the levels demanded by the market, while the oversupply would likely lead to lower prices.The fruit bound for Russia will likely end up in industrial processing.

Source: www.freshfruitportal.com