The traditional clementine in our Christmas stocking is likely to be smaller than usual this year, after unfavourable weather stymied yields in Spain.
Spain, which is the UK’s largest supplier of seedless easy peelers in the northern hemisphere, has begun harvesting its early crop, but unexpectedly dry weather has led to less developed fruit. And growers’ troubles have been exacerbated by recently heavy rain that has prevented picking.
Nevertheless, wholesale prices for Spanish clementines are actually slightly lower than last year, down 1.8% at 0.8 Euro/kg (67p/kg) [Mintec]. And distributors in the UK aren’t currently experiencing any lack of availability, according to Andy Weir, head of marketing at fruit & veg supplier Reynolds.
He does expect the clementine harvest to end in Spain in early January, two or three weeks earlier than usual, but Moroccan growers will step up to satisfy new year demand.
The country is “catching up with Spain in terms of supplying the UK”, says Weir. Egypt also ships easy peelers to the UK, but it produces mostly seeded fremonts.
Consumers’ appetite for fresh oranges has shifted over recent years towards smaller varieties that are easier to peel and segment, thus tapping the trend for snacking on the go.
Supermarket sales of clementines have soared 10.3% £307.8m in past year, while orange sales fell 0.4% to £123.2m [Nielsen 52 w/e 15 October 2016], according to The Grocer Top Product Survey 2016.
Growers in the northern hemisphere, and in Argentina and South Africa, have focused on juicier clementines over satsumas - which are in very little demand outside the UK.
Satsumas don’t store or travel well, and their loose skin means the fruit often becomes dry, adds Weir, so they are losing popularity even in Britain.
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