Lemon production in Spain will increase 10%
AILIMPO estimates that Spain will return to normal harvest levels with 1,250,000 tonnes, an overall increase of 10%. Unequal behaviour according to varieties: Fino (+14%) and Verna (-2%).
AILIMPO’s first estimate of the lemon harvest for next season 2020/2021, forecasts a total production in Spain of 1,250,000 tonnes, representing an overall increase of 10% compared to the 2019/2020. This first crop estimate will be confirmed depending on the availability of water in summer and autumn rains.
The estimated global lemon production figure in Spain of 1,250,000 tonnes will allow Spain to continue to be the leading exporter of fresh lemon, and the second largest processor of lemon juice, essential oil and dehydrated peel in the world.
In the case of the FINO LEMON variety, an increase of 10% is estimated. Ailimpo has considered the effect of the progressive entry into production of new plantations made in recent years and the situation of the size of lemons at the present time, which is considered optimal thanks to the good availability of water, to estimate a production of 845,000 tonnes.
«This figure for Fino Lemon production will allow Spain to consolidate its leading role in supplying customers and guarantee supply programmes«.
As far as the VERNA LEMON harvest is concerned, the first forecast points to a harvest of 300,000 tonnes, which would mean a reduction of 2% compared to the last season.
«The crop for verna lemon, an autochthonous Spanish variety, guarantees that the Spanish lemon supply will cover a large part of summer 2021 with good quality fruit«.
Outlook
AILIMPO expects a good and fair balance of prices and distribution of economic value throughout the chain, which will allow the Spanish lemon sector to give a profitable commercial outlet to the harvest, while maintaining commercial competitiveness against the aggressive supply of lemon from competing third countries such as Turkey (which will continue to be subject to official pesticide controls at the European border) or Egypt.
Furthermore, from the producer’s point of view, the GlobalGAP and GRASP certifications are key elements for the next season, within the interprofessional strategy to differenciate the Spanish Lemon and promoting sustainable production under the triple focus: economic, environmental and social.
SPANISH LEMON PRODUCTION AND FIRST FORECAST FOR THE 2020/2021 SEASON
