Spain's Interprofessional Lemon and Grapefruit Association (ALIMPO) has forecast an 11% rise in lemon production to 910,000 metric tons (MT) for the upcoming campaign starting in September.

In a release, ALIMPO said the sector was expecting a good season despite intensified competition from Turkey, as Spain had reliable supply and service, safe produce and excellent quality lemons.

The association clarified that volume would depend on the possibility of fall rains and their effects on fruit size.

As was the case last season, production is expected to be absorbed by domestic and export markets as fresh fruit, as well as for industrial purposes.

The ALIMPO release said the season kick-off would be marked by the early termination of the Southern Hemisphere season from countries such as Argentina, Uruguay and South Africa.

However, this will be offset by an increase in Turkey's production at the start of the season; an industry that can benefit from lower production costs, government subsidies and a 19% currency depreciation.

Spain's current lemon forecast is still lower than the figures recorded in 2010-11 and 2011-12.

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