South Africa and Argentina Face Lemon Supply Challenges in European Markets

According to the Interprofessional Association of Lemon and Grapefruit, Ailimpo, purchasing operations of Spanish lemons at origin have ground almost to a halt, without great prospects for their reactivation, signaling potential challenges for lemon supply to Europe at the beginning of this summer.

While there is stability in the fresh lemon export market, with volumes practically identical to those of previous years, there are concerns about the impact of plentiful harvests and drought conditions on lemon quality, particularly with the Fino lemon variety, according to Francisco V. Gea Belmonte, commercial director of the Murcian company Belsan.

“This season, the larger supply in the European markets from third-party origins such as Turkey and Egypt has also caused prices to be under great pressure. It’s something we will need to face more and more in the future if the EU does not impose more barriers,” Gea Belmonte stated.

In anticipation of the Verna lemon campaign, which is expected to start earlier due to the quality and high discard rate of the Fino lemons, forecasts suggest a long Verna campaign with limited room for Southern Hemisphere lemons this summer. Francisco Vicente Gea noted, “After several years with low harvests, the production of Verna lemons is expected to be about five times larger this year.”

“We don’t expect prices to recover with the arrival of the Verna, given the large production, but we do foresee the campaign lasting at least until the end of July. South Africa and Argentina will face significant challenges in supplying lemons to Europe at the beginning of this summer, as there will be enough Spanish lemons, which will also be fresher due to their proximity,” he added.