Prices expected to rise in coming weeks as buyers factor in the consequences of adverse weather conditions and the incidence of pests
The Citrus Price Board of the Valencia Citrus Exchange has released its first bulletin for the 2026/2027 citrus season. It shows relatively stable prices at the point of origin, although some varieties are trading at levels that agricultural union Ava-Asaja considers too low to cover production costs.
Navelina oranges are quoted at €0.27/kg, Okitsu mandarins at €0.305/kg, and Oronules mandarins reach €0.65/kg.
“The bulletin confirms stable prices in the field that should solidify and even rise in the coming weeks as the impact of adverse weather and pests on the harvest becomes apparent,” Ava-Asaja noted.
It said traders are showing greater caution when purchasing fruit, possibly due to uncertainty regarding the extent of the reduction in this year’s crop and the volume of imports yet to arrive from South Africa. “We expect purchasing activity to intensify, as supply will align closely with market demand,” it stated.
Early-season mandarins account for the majority of the price quotes established by the Valencia Citrus Exchange. Within the clementine subgroup, the Arrufatina variety has an average price of €0.425/kg (€0.4675/kg including 12 per cent VAT for farmers under the simplified tax regime); Clemenules and Orogrande are at €0.45/kg (€0.504/kg with VAT); Marisol is at €0.375/kg (€0.42/kg with VAT); and Oronules are at €0.65/kg (€0.728/kg with VAT).
These prices are slightly lower than last season, when purchasing got underway earlier due to significant crop losses, but similar to those seen two and three seasons ago.
Ava-Asaja warned that production costs have risen by more than10 per cent this season, driven principally by the increased cost of fertilisers, plant protection products, fuel and labour.
The situation has been exacerbated by the high incidence of certain pests, including mites and white fly, requiring greater inputs.
The organisation is calling for inspections to be ramped up to prevent citrus trading transactions that take place below actual production costs, noting that Spain’s Food Chain Law bans selling at a loss and demands greater oversight during a season characterised by rising expenses.
