Adverse weather to cut Spanish lemon crop by 10%

Spain’s 2022-23 lemon crop is projected to fall by 10% from last year, according to the country’s Lemon and Grapefruit Interbranch Organization (AILIMPO). The decline is attributed to adverse weather conditions during March and April. Significant rainfall during those months affected flowering and fruit setting in many production areas. In addition, higher summer temperatures resulted in delayed fruit development and smaller sizes. 

The crop estimate is 1.09 million tons, compared to last season’s 1.21 million tons, according to a preliminary forecast. Verna is the most affected variety, with production set to drop by 22%, while the Fino variety is expected to see a fall of 5% in volume.

Nevertheless, AILIMPO states that Spain will continue to lead European markets with conventional and organic lemons. Around 53% of total production will be sent to other EU countries, while 23% will remain for domestic consumption.