A Trend for More California Mandarin Shipments While Navals are Going in Opposite Direction

A Trend for More California Mandarin Shipments While Navals are Going in Opposite Direction

California Citrus Mutual of Exeter, CA reports average volume is seen for the state’s citrus crop.

The non-profit association reports growing conditions for the winter citrus season have been ideal.

In the last decade, Mutual reports the state has seen a 13% decrease in navel acres planted and a 26% decrease in valencia acres, which is estimated to be between 25,000 acres and 28,000 acres.

As valencia and navel acreage declines in the state, they are being replaced by mandarins, which have increased by about 18,000 acres during that time.

Wonderful Citrus Cooperative of Delano, CA reports a strong summer citrus season with good quality which sets the state up for its winter season. Growth in mandarin shipments helped boost a strong summer shipping season.

Mandarins represent about 43% of all citrus sold at Wonderful.

The co-op expects a more normal winter citrus crop this season compared with last year’s crop. A Year ago there were quality problems with navels and sizing issues with mandarins. This year mandarins, lemons, navels should all have more normal supplies and quality.