Spain's upcoming lemon season will be characterized by stability, according to the national Lemon and Grapefruit Interprofessional Association (Ailimpio), with growers standing to benefit from an early end of Southern Hemisphere citrus shipments.

The organization's final crop estimate for the 2014-15 campaign stands at 970,000 metric tons (MT) - 2.4% lower than last season's record harvest - although rainfall and water availability for irrigation still have an influential role to play.

Ailimpio also said quality would be very good this year, helping to ensure a 'proper supply' to European markets.

Like last season, fresh production is expected to be absorbed by domestic and export markets, with juices and essential oils dominating the processed sector.

The Spanish campaign is expected to begin around two weeks earlier than normal, but October will still see the most significant development of marketing activities and the largest volumes.

Fortunately for growers, the citrus season in Argentina, Uruguay and South Africa is also set to finish earlier than normal.

However, producers may face heightened competition in Eastern European markets from Turkey, which is also anticipating normal crop volumes and has the added benefit of lower production costs and subsidies given to exporters by the government.

Russian embargo impacts

Ailimpio said in a release the situation with Russia's agricultural import ban should not affect the majority of the Spanish lemon season, given that exports didn't usually start until March and represented only 3% of total shipping volumes.

It added the embargo would likely not influence sales in other markets.

The association has also requested lemons be included on the EU's list of produce items to receive financial support, both to serve as a safety net for growers should market problems arise, as well as to prevent price speculation.

Photo: www.shutterstock.com

www.freshfruitportal.com