Orange supplies remain extremely limited, particularly for the 113- and 138-count sizes. This tight supply is being felt across all growing regions, and unfortunately, no improvement is expected until the Chilean and South African seasons start in July, according to a press release from Markon Cooperative of Salinas, CA.
Given these ongoing challenges, size and grade substitutions will be necessary to fill orders, with the 138-count oranges presenting the greatest difficulty.
California
- Markon First Crop (MFC) and Markon Essentials (ESS) Oranges are available
- Overall supplies of 113- and 138-count oranges will be extremely limited through the Valencia season, which runs until October
- Expect to make size and grade substitutions, as well as date changes, to fill orders of small fruit
- Quality is good; sugar levels range from 12-13 Brix
- Expect high markets for small fruit (113- and 138-supplies)
- Mexico
- The Valencia season will end the week of May 25
- Overall supplies of 113- and 138-count oranges are extremely limited
- Expect to make size and grade substitutions, as well as date changes, to fill orders of small fruit
- Quality is good; sugar levels range from 11-13 Brix
- Expect elevated prices as these stocks help fill the void in California
- Florida
- Growers will ship storage fruit through June
- Supplies are dominated by 113-count and larger sizes; 138-count oranges are limited
- Quality is fair; choice and standard grades are most abundant
- Expect steady markets through June
- Imported/Moroccan
- Expect the Moroccan season to end in mid-June
- Vessel delays and holdups from the USDA have further postponed loading schedules
- Valencia quality is very good; sugar levels range from 12-13 Brix
- Stocks are dominated by 113-count and 100-count sizes; 138-count fruit is extremely limited
- Expect elevated markets into mid-June
Imported/South Africa & Chile
- The season will begin in early July
- Current rain events have growers worried about size structure upon arrival into the U.S.
- Supplies are expected to be dominated by 113-count and larger sizes
- Import palletization: 72 cases per pallet, Box weight is 33 pounds (15 KG)
- Domestic palletization: 54 cases per pallet (18 KG), Box weight is 40 pounds