According to Wilko van der Zwaard of the Dutch company Wilko Fruit, citrus sales are currently good to excellent. "There's good market demand with correct prices being paid. Especially concerning top premium-branded fruit, including our renowned Gaudias label," he says.
Citrus is one of Wilko Fruit's leading product groups. "Our mandarins are currently coming from the golden Castellón triangle, where there's talk of a major shortage like in other parts of Spain. They expect to finish with varieties like Clemenules as early as week 52."
"Partly because Morocco won't be a big player this season - due to failed crops, they have quality issues - this trend should undoubtedly continue until, at least, late December. We have to get the first new Nadorcott mandarins then, of which a slightly smaller-than-usual harvest of around 190,000 tons is expected," Wilko explains.
"Too few large sizes characterize the current orange market. The hot and, especially, dry summer means no larger sizes are available throughout almost all of Spain. So, there can be vast price differences between the large and small ones."
"The lemon market is calm and stable, but that could change in the second half of the season. Significant shortages are expected from March," continues Wilko.
"The Spanish grapefruit season is also processing well, with good quality fruit. And last but not least, Chinese pomelos are now at their tastiest, so sales are excellent."
"We can, thus, generally state that, once again, quality, flavor, and the correct brands contribute significantly to achieving a successful season. Therefore, our motto is to become the best, not the biggest," Wilco concludes.
Gaudias 'Fruits for Pleasure'
For more information:
Wilko van der Zwaard
Wilko Fruit
14 Heilaar-Noordweg
4841 ZZ, Prinsenbeek, NL
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.wilkofruit.com