This year’s mandarin season is significantly ahead of schedule compared to last year and sales are very smooth. Meanwhile, table orange sales are more stagnant in Europe, although there’s growing potential in markets in the Middle East and Central America.

“Demand for Spanish mandarins is currently higher than supply,” says Alberto Ramírez, general manager of the GF Union group (Gustavo Ferrada and Gufresco). “The harvest of mandarins such as the Nadorcott has been carried out so far ahead of schedule that now there is very little supply available. Sales are going very well for all varieties in this second part of the season.”

At the same time, mandarin imports from other origins continue to increase in Europe. “Morocco is producing very good fruit this year and is offering increasingly better packaging and presentations.