The 2024/25 lemon season shows a positive price trend which, in these first months, has eliminated the uncertainty that the sector experienced in 2024. According to official prices communicated by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fishing and Food, since the start of the year, source prices have remained below 20 cents per kilo for almost 30 weeks, and even at the beginning of April, they reached 10 cents, which made the season very complex for producers and traders.
“Fortunately, prices are better than last year and above all balanced, so that all links in the value chain benefit from this situation, from producer to consumer; it is also important to emphasize that correct prices guarantee a solid and future-oriented market, with less risk of disruption and that in the short or medium term there could be a massive abandonment of crops”, explains Juan Antonio Martínez, director of Toñifruit.
“We saw that last season there was an adjustment in this direction; small producers or speculators who had launched into lemon cultivation without being specialists, attracted by the prices of other seasons, were abandoned and ultimately, these difficult times mean that, in a certain way, only producers professionals remain. »
“But it is precisely for this reason that we must regain fair and decent profitability in a sector as important for Spain as that of lemons,” he emphasizes. “Spain is the leading exporter of fresh lemon in the world, and also the leading exporter of organic fresh lemon. We are leaders and references for the global market, and we are also sustainable and with a very protected social base. »
“We all know that other countries, such as Turkey, South Africa or Argentina, are very active in the lemon sector, but we cannot compare the social base and the value chain that we carry out with a product that is at kilometer 0 for our customers. In addition, we continually demonstrate that the lemon sector in Spain is very strong and that we know how to face the winds when they arise. We are leaders, and we are for good reason. »
“No one is unaware that Verna’s forecasts are for a 30% drop in production”
“The forecasts for the season are also positive for the weeks to come,” continues Juan Antonio. “We are entering the Christmas period when the consumption of many products, including lemon, is increasing, which should guarantee that prices are maintained and allow us to look forward to the year 2025 with stable prices. »
“Once this period has passed, it is more difficult to say what will happen, although it is clear that Verna’s forecasts are for a 30% drop in production, which should translate into a logical trend towards rising prices in the spring,” he explains. “This improvement in the price of Verna would also be very necessary for summer lemons, the costs of which are higher. »
“Spanish producers were able to take over from consumers who were demanding healthier products. »
It should be noted that lemon is one of the products that has managed to position itself in the organic aisles as a regular reference, reaching a very interesting organic consumption among European consumers, and also among Spanish consumers.
“In fact, consumers have been able to appreciate and seek out the properties of organic lemons, and Spanish producers have been able to take over from consumers who demanded healthier products,” emphasizes Juan Antonio.
“It must be taken into account that the lemon is a fruit considered as a condiment used above all for its peel and that, in conventional production, all the chemicals used to treat the fruit are a burden for sectors such as confectionery or gastronomy. In addition, the intense aroma of a natural and organic lemon and the essences that emerge from its peel are very appreciated and, as we say, make the organic lemon know how to stand out,” says Juan Antonio Martínez. “In fact, I would say that now is the time to switch to consuming organic lemons, because consumer prices have fallen in recent years, and enjoying a product that can provide so many benefits is much more accessible. »
For more information:
Toñifruit
Cabecicos Blancos Business Park
C/ Molino Grande, mailbox 22
30892 Booklet. Murcia. Spain
Such. : +34 968 071 056
[email protected]
https://tonifruit.com
