Foreign competitors gain ground amid Spanish citrus woes
SOUTH AFRICA/EGYPT – South African and Egyptian citrus producers are capitalizing on challenges in Spain’s citrus industry, claiming a larger share of the European market as adverse weather disrupts local production.
These foreign competitors have become key players, supplying oranges to Spanish supermarkets even during the domestic harvest season.
Heavy rainfall in Seville, a primary citrus-growing region in Spain, has delayed the harvest of second-season varieties.
This has created opportunities for South African exporters to step in. Miguel Sanz of Naranjas Miguelito in Gines, Seville, observed that South African oranges are now competing directly with Spanish produce in local supermarkets.
“On December 27, in the middle of the Spanish season, I went to a supermarket in Seville and saw a Spanish brand – specifically Valencian – selling oranges from South Africa at a price of €2.5/kg (USD 2.6/kg),” he said.
Sanz noted that Spanish traders themselves have played a role in this development. “There has remarkably been more interference than in other years from our own traders, who have bought a lot of South African oranges,” he said.
This influx of imported fruit has intensified competition and pressured local growers already dealing with reduced yields and smaller fruit sizes.
Egyptian citrus exports are also making inroads, further challenging Spain’s market position. A new shipment of Egyptian Valencias recently arrived in Valencian ports, filling supply gaps left by Spanish producers.
According to Sanz, this move has frustrated many in the industry. “Many people in the sector are very disappointed with the behaviour of many big Valencian citrus brands. Those who are importing oranges against which we are unable to compete, instead of investing in Spanish products, are colleagues from our own country,” he stated.
Initially, it was anticipated that Egyptian citrus exports to the European Union would decrease by as much as 35% this season.
However, these expectations have not materialized, leaving Spanish producers struggling to compete. “I don’t understand why Valencian growers are not there in the port protesting against this competition, doing what, for example, French growers would have done,” Sanz added.
The challenges posed by South African and Egyptian competitors come during a period of hardship for Spain’s citrus industry.
The sector has faced two consecutive years of difficulties, including poor harvests and low prices. Sanz warned of the long-term consequences if the situation does not improve.
“Given this situation, if the good years are not excellent and campaigns don’t turn out as we hoped, we won’t be able to cope for much longer,” he said.
Foreign competitors gain ground amid Spanish citrus woes
SOUTH AFRICA/EGYPT – South African and Egyptian citrus producers are capitalizing on challenges in Spain’s citrus industry, claiming a larger share of the European market as adverse weather disrupts local production.
These foreign competitors have become key players, supplying oranges to Spanish supermarkets even during the domestic harvest season.
Heavy rainfall in Seville, a primary citrus-growing region in Spain, has delayed the harvest of second-season varieties.
This has created opportunities for South African exporters to step in. Miguel Sanz of Naranjas Miguelito in Gines, Seville, observed that South African oranges are now competing directly with Spanish produce in local supermarkets.
“On December 27, in the middle of the Spanish season, I went to a supermarket in Seville and saw a Spanish brand – specifically Valencian – selling oranges from South Africa at a price of €2.5/kg (USD 2.6/kg),” he said.
Sanz noted that Spanish traders themselves have played a role in this development. “There has remarkably been more interference than in other years from our own traders, who have bought a lot of South African oranges,” he said.
This influx of imported fruit has intensified competition and pressured local growers already dealing with reduced yields and smaller fruit sizes.
Egyptian citrus exports are also making inroads, further challenging Spain’s market position. A new shipment of Egyptian Valencias recently arrived in Valencian ports, filling supply gaps left by Spanish producers.
According to Sanz, this move has frustrated many in the industry. “Many people in the sector are very disappointed with the behaviour of many big Valencian citrus brands. Those who are importing oranges against which we are unable to compete, instead of investing in Spanish products, are colleagues from our own country,” he stated.
Initially, it was anticipated that Egyptian citrus exports to the European Union would decrease by as much as 35% this season.
However, these expectations have not materialized, leaving Spanish producers struggling to compete. “I don’t understand why Valencian growers are not there in the port protesting against this competition, doing what, for example, French growers would have done,” Sanz added.
The challenges posed by South African and Egyptian competitors come during a period of hardship for Spain’s citrus industry.
The sector has faced two consecutive years of difficulties, including poor harvests and low prices. Sanz warned of the long-term consequences if the situation does not improve.
“Given this situation, if the good years are not excellent and campaigns don’t turn out as we hoped, we won’t be able to cope for much longer,” he said.