Spain's citrus output forecast shows modest rise amid market pressure

The growers’ association Asaja Alicante expects lemon (Fino) production in the province to increase by about 5% and Verna by around 10% for the 2026‑2027 campaign, citing good rainfall, recovery from previous pest damage and favorable weather. The group warns that a massive influx of South African lemons in July has saturated the EU market, depressing prices and reducing freshness. Asaja urges South Africa to curb exports and expects Spanish lemons, fresher and of higher quality, to regain market share from 15 September 2026.

The broader citrus union La Unió projects the Valencian Community’s total citrus harvest at 2.594 million tonnes in 2026‑2027, a 3.4% rise over the previous year but still among the lowest in two decades. Production estimates include 1.067 million tonnes of small citrus, 1.286 million tonnes of oranges and 240 408 tonnes of lemons (up 15% driven by Verna). The union attributes limited output to aging orchards, pest pressure, adverse weather and the abandonment of citrus plots, and calls for stable prices and fair payments to sustain the sector.