Exports play important role for many citrus marketers
Exports play a role in the marketing plans of many citrus grower-shippers, but that role can vary from company to company and season to season.
In California, about 30% of the commercial citrus crop is exported, estimated Casey Creamer, president of Exeter-based California Citrus Mutual.
The volume depends on the quality of the fruit and the conditions in various export markets.
South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, China and Australia are major export destinations for California oranges, he said.
Some grapefruit also is shipped to South Korea, and a small amount goes to Europe.
Demand for California citrus in foreign markets can affect markets at home, Creamer said, since product that can’t be exported must be sold domestically.
California grower-shippers would like to see lower tariffs and better cooperation with foreign governments regarding phytosanitary protocols, he said.
Valencia, Calif.-based Sunkist Growers Inc. exports oranges, lemons, mandarins, tangelos and grapefruit, said Christina Ward, director of global brand marketing.
“We have seen a slight increase in exported citrus this season,” she said.
Last season, the company celebrated the 25th anniversary of the U.S.-Vietnam bilateral relationship by regaining market entry to Vietnam.
“Sunkist returns to the market this season and is excited to grow its footprint with consumers in Vietnam,” Ward said.
Shoppers in foreign countries like the versatility and health benefits of citrus, Ward said.
“Consumers in our export markets like that each and every Sunkist fruit is held to the highest standards — from being handpicked with utmost care to going through meticulous inspection for quality and consistency and ensuring that each fruit complies with the strictest regulations for food safety, packaging and labeling,” she said.
Cecelia Packing Corp., Orange Cove, Calif., had started exporting some navel oranges to Australia early this year and planned to export some minneolas when the harvest starts, said salesman Jim Saavedra.
“We have a good export program for those,” he said.
The company’s export program was a small one, he said, and so far this season, the export deal has not been robust.
“We’re hoping that it picks up now that the first of the year is here,” he said.
Export figures for Santa Paula, Calif.-based Limoneira Co. have been changing daily since the onslaught of COVID-19, said Alex Teague, senior vice president.
The company expects to export about 38% of its U.S. crop this year, which is about normal for Limoneira, he said.
The company’s main export destinations include South Korea, Japan, Australia, Indonesia, New Zealand, Hong Kong/China and Chile.
“Our network sells to over 80 countries worldwide,” Teague said. “Our goal is to add two countries each year.”
Export volume for Delano, Calif.-based Wonderful Citrus has been increasing, said Gerhard Leodolter, vice president of export sales.
“We export a large portfolio of our citrus program, including navels, lemons, grapefruit, Wonderful Halos mandarins, valencias, cara caras, minneolas and limes,” he said.
South Korea, Japan, China, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Latin America and Southeast Asia are Wonderful’s main export destinations. The company has begun exporting to United Arab Emirates, he added.
“Foreign buyers like California citrus because of its superior quality and taste,” Leodolter said.
This season, the company will send small trial shipments to Vietnam, but that will not be a large market.
“Vietnam grows many tropical and indigenous fruit varieties that are inexpensive, so we do not see a large opportunity to penetrate that market with significant volumes,” he said.
Last year, the Texas Valley Citrus Committee in Mission exported about 18,000 cartons of citrus to France, Germany, Japan and the Netherlands, said manager Ted Prukop.
The committee already was ahead of that number in early January, but Prukop pointed out that, with a total volume of 6 million cartons, exports account for only a small percentage of production.
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