Volume up 19 per cent to 1.215mn tonnes, despite slight contraction in acreage, says Ailimpo
Spanish lemon and grapefruit interprofessional Ailimpo is forecasting a lemon crop of 1.215mn tonnes for 2026/27, 19 per cent up on the previous season’s 1.021mn tonnes.
Despite a slight decrease in planted area, which currently stands at 49,572ha, the forecast points to a 17 per cent increase in Fino production and a 24 per cent increase for the Verna variety.
“Weather conditions during the spring were optimal, allowing for successful flowering and fruit set,” Ailimpo said. “Furthermore, despite high temperatures during June, July, and August, producers had sufficient water resources available to meet the trees’ needs.”
Ailimpo praised the hard work of producers – supported by its Agefis phytosanitary monitoring programme – to manage pests and diseases, which resulted in better fruit quality and greater commercial viability for the fresh market.
The organisation said the increase in production for the coming season would allow the quantity of processed lemons to return to normal levels.
