Bee Sweet Citrus offers expanded mandarin output

California's citrus harvest will be down slightly this year, says Randy Stucky, director of harvesting and grower relations for Bee Sweet Citrus, Fowler, Calif.

“Bloom was seven to 10 days later than normal, which has delayed maturity compared to normal years, but it does seem like some of the fruit is catching up over the last couple of weeks,” Stucky said, noting that industry estimates point to a crop that will be down slightly compared with last season.

“Navel fruit size looks to be up over last season, especially once we transition from early navels to our mid-season varieties,” he said.

Bee Sweet Citrus offers 100% conventional citrus fruit and has seen its production of mandarins grow compared with five years ago.

Thrips are one of the biggest issues faced by the industry this season, Stucky said.

“We are seeing damage throughout the valley and will need to push the grade to get as much fruit into a box as possible to maximize returns for the grower," he said.

The biggest challenge for the industry, he said, will be maximizing utilization and holding up prices despite the amount of thrip damage.

“Fancy fruit will need to be sold at a premium this season,” Stucky said, noting that the manageable crop size will also see more desirable sizing than in recent years.