Company reports solid North American supply, but lower volumes in the Mediterranean are creating pressure for higher field prices
Contrasting conditions across different regions look set to define the 2026 winter citrus season according to citrus specialist Salix Fruits. But the company said its diversified portfolio from multiple regions will ensure smooth supply through 52 weeks a year.
CEO Alejandro Moralejo commented: “We have become a year‑round citrus supplier, guaranteeing continuity and reliability through diversification of origins. This approach has been key to navigating market volatility and climate challenges”.
According to Salix Fruits, production in the US and Mexico is strong across all categories, ensuring solid supply from North America. Several Mediterranean countries, however, have faced climate challenges, with Turkey experiencing frosts and Spain enduring an unusually wet spring. Morocco and Egypt report more stable conditions, while China continues to play a central role as both producer and consumer, supplying Russia and other regions while absorbing much of its own production domestically.
“Key varieties in the winter programme include high‑quality oranges from Mexico for fresh‑squeeze programmes in the US market, Moroccan mandarins, Egyptian oranges serving customers across Asia, Europe, and South America, and California lemons, which remain a cornerstone of our winter citrus offering,” the company said, adding that Argentina and Chile also play an essential role in supplying lemons and mandarins, while Mexico continues to be critical for limes.
Challenges remain, however, particularly in Mediterranean markets where lower volumes are creating pressure for higher field prices, though it is uncertain whether the market will validate those levels.
In contrast, the US market is facing oversupply, which is putting downward pressure on prices. Imported oranges have benefited from the suspension of tariffs, supporting competitiveness, although tariffs remain in place for other citrus categories.
“It will be a challenging year to balance growers’ price expectations with market realities,” Moralejo stated.
Salix Fruits said it continues to strengthen its partnerships with trusted growers, building long‑term relationships that ensure stability and reliability. Quality control teams are present both at points of origin and at destinations, safeguarding consistency and delivering dependable supply throughout the winter months. The company is also expanding its sustainability and organic programmes, having launched organic lemons from Argentina for the US market and now preparing shipments to Europe.
“Innovation is central to our strategy. We use market intelligence to anticipate demand, explore new origins to diversify risk, and apply digital tracking systems to improve efficiency and transparency”, Moralejo said.
Looking ahead, the outlook for citrus remains positive, driven by health‑conscious consumers. The company noted that opportunities lie in differentiation through sustainability, convenience, and premium offerings. Easy‑peel mandarins, organic lemons, and high‑quality oranges are categories with strong growth potential.
“By combining reliable supply, innovation, and sustainability, Salix Fruits is well-positioned to continue expanding globally”, Moralejo concluded.
