Chilean clementines

The shortfall in South African clementines is supporting the Chilean clementine deal this year, one handler told me today. Depending on the shipper, Chilean clementines should remain active through July and into the first week of August. Though the 3-pound bag is becoming more popular, the 5-pound carton remains the dominant pack.
While citrus is not top of mind for produce managers or consumers, the distributor said movement was steady. Through June 23, season to date shipments of Chilean clementines arriving in U.S. were 14 million pounds, up from 8.7 million pounds the same time a year ago. South African season to date clementine shipments for the same date were 2.7 million pounds, down sharply from 8.1 million pounds at the same time last year.


Meanwhile, Spanish exporters were burned by the navel season, one importer said. California shippers were able to stretch out their supplies and keep their retail accounts after the freeze, relegating Spanish navels to wholesalers at terminal markets where returns were less. However, the Spanish lemon deal has met steady demand and prices at $17-18 for 120s and 140s. Supply will dwindle by September, one handler said. While the shortfall in South African navels appears to leave the door open for a stronger U.S. valencia deal, Spanish valencia exporters are not too eager to revisit the U.S. orange market.