Spain’s Fino lemon crop expected to grow by 30%

AILIMPO’s first estimate of the Fino lemon harvest for the 2023/2024 campaign indicates a crop in Spain of 990,000 tons, which represents a 30% increase compared to the previous campaign, and a return to the levels reached in the 2020/2021 season. This first harvest estimate will be confirmed at the end of September and is subject to changes in weather conditions, water availability and the impact on the harvest volume of the entry into production of the new plantations, which has increased by 5,671 hectares in the last 6 years, from 25,609 hectares in 2017 to the current 31,280 hectares (+22%), according to official data from MAPA. Spain will continue to be the world’s leading exporter of fresh lemon, and the second largest processor for juices, essential oils and dehydrated peel.

Although the abundant rainfall in May was generally positive for the crop, it was accompanied by several episodes of hail, which affected around 1,000 hectares in Murcia. The most significant damage occurred in Campo de Cartagena, Alhama or Vega Media del Segura (localities of Archena and Molina de Segura).