10! Citrus Annual Reports

đź§ŁAnd wishing you happy holidays, a merry Christmas and a Healthy start of the New Year!

🎄 Juice News will be on winter break the coming 2 weeks.

The first edition in the new year will be on Monday January 5th. This is the last regular edition of the year. There will be at least one more special edition, with the results of the AI poll and then some.

Happy holidays for you and your loved ones, be together, be kind and lift each others’ spirits.

Jan van Iperen

With in today’s fully-accessible-for-everyone edition (keep scrolling for the links):

  • EU Postpones Mercosur Deal Signing Until January

  • 🎧 Niche Trend Alert: Candy-Coated Dates & Collagen Tonics Lead the Way

  • Defining Scandinavian Energy: Kilde Protein Water's Clean, Functional Design by KIND

  • NextFoods Raises $10M Series 3 Funding to Boost Functional Wellness Innovation

  • Michael Del Pozzo Appointed President of U.S. Beverages at PepsiCo

  • Argentina Citrus Annual

  • Chile Citrus Annual

  • Costa Rica Citrus Annual

  • Egypt Citrus Annual

  • Japan Citrus Annual

  • Morocco Citrus Annual

  • People's Republic of China Citrus Annual

  • Peru Citrus Annual

  • Republic of Korea Citrus Annual

  • Republic of South Africa Citrus Annual

  • Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo Returns to Fort Myers in 2026

  • TĂĽrkiye's Mandarin Exports Reach All-Time High of $615 Million in 11 Months

  • Texas grapefruit counts on taste in Korea | News

  • Citrus Transcription Factor Degradation Facilitated by 'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus' Effector SDE2470 via BRUTUS E3 Ligases

› juice news

The EU has postponed signing the Mercosur deal with Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay until January. This delay suggests ongoing negotiations and potential considerations of the agreement's terms and implications. Stakeholders should monitor developments closely and prepare for potential changes in trade dynamics and regulations post-signing.

New product launches like candy-coated dates and collagen-infused drinks indicate a shift towards niche products in the food and beverage industry. Embrace innovation and cater to specific consumer preferences by exploring unique product offerings and capitalizing on niche markets for business growth and differentiation.

Kilde Protein Water embodies Scandinavian energy through clean, functional design. The brand name, "Kilde," meaning "source" in Norwegian, reflects its essence as a natural, stylish energy source. Tailored for active individuals, the product combines protein and water. Key takeaways include leveraging cultural elements in branding, emphasizing simplicity and functionality, and targeting on-the-go consumers seeking natural energy sources.

NextFoods Inc., parent company of Cheribundi and GoodBelly, secured a $10 million Series 3 funding round led by ECP Growth to drive functional wellness innovation. This investment will accelerate research and development of science-backed nutrition products. Companies in the wellness industry can leverage strategic investments to enhance product development and innovation for sustainable growth.

Michael Del Pozzo appointed President, U.S. Beverages at PepsiCo with over 18 years of experience. The move showcases internal talent development. Consider nurturing talent from within for leadership roles to drive organizational growth and loyalty.

› citrus news

Argentina’s lemon production in Marketing Year (MY) 2025/2026 is projected to remain steady at 1.9 million metric tons (MMT), supported by mild weather conditions throughout the growing cycle. Post has adjusted the MY 2024/2025 lemon production estimate significantly upward to 1.91 MMT, based on favorable climatic conditions that boosted yields. Fresh orange production in MY 2025/2026 is forecast at 680,000 MT, an 80,000 MT increase from the previous year. MY 2025/2026 tangerine output is expected to reach 240,000 MT, based on favorable weather. However, MY 2024/2025 tangerine production, which was affected by late-season frosts, has been adjusted down to 180,000 MT.

In marketing year (MY) 2025/26, Chile’s citrus sector will increase production in lemons, mandarins, and oranges. Lemon production will increase 4.4 percent to 237,000 metric tons (MT), driven by expanded planted area and the crop’s profitability. Mandarin production will rise 3.1 percent to 270,000 MT, supported by higher yields and increased planted area, while orange production will grow 2.5 percent to 205,000 MT, reflecting a steady expansion in key regions. Domestic consumption will also increase for all three commodities, with fresh lemon consumption at 106,000 MT, mandarins at 32,000 MT, and oranges at 78,000 MT. Exports will also grow, with lemon exports projected at 135,000 MT, mandarins at 235,000 MT, and oranges at 115,000 MT.

Costa Rica’s production of oranges declined more than expected in marketing year (MY) 2024/25, to the lowest production level since MY 2014/15. Although production was expected to grow, unusually excessive rainfall towards the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025 resulted in large production losses. FAS San José expects orange production to increase approximately 10 percent in MY 2025/26 based on better weather conditions during 2025.

Fresh oranges continue to be a central part of Egypt’s fruit and vegetable exports, accounting for over 20 percent of the sector’s foreign currency earnings. Egypt also retains its position as the world’s leading exporter of oranges. For marketing year 2025/26, FAS/Cairo projects that Egypt’s fresh orange exports will increase due to increased production, successful expansion into new markets, and the implementation of a traceability system for farm production. European and Middle Eastern countries are expected to remain Egypt’s primary export markets for fresh oranges. Meanwhile, the processing sector is projected to expand production to meet rising demand both domestically and regionally.

Japan’s citrus sector faces continuing structural decline driven by aging producers, labor shortages, and reduced orchard maintenance, resulting in lower mandarin and orange production in marketing year (MY) 2024/25 and a modest recovery expected for MY 2025/26. Weaker domestic mandarin supplies will temporarily increase the demand for imported citrus—especially U.S. oranges and grapefruit—although it will diminish as domestic production rebounds. Japanese consumer preferences tend toward domestically grown lemons and sour-type Japanese citrus varieties that may impact future demand patterns for imported lemons and limes. U.S. exporters remain well positioned because of established distribution channels and consistent product quality, though international competitors continue to influence seasonal imports.

Post expects Morocco’s Tangerine/mandarin production for MY 2025/26 to reach an estimated 1.15 million MT, increasing 4 percent over MY 2024/25, orange production should increase by 1 percent over the previous year to 970,000 MT, while lemon/lime production will reach 48,000 MT. Much of the increase in production is due to improved weather conditions during the growing season coupled with the tree cycle. Post projects Morocco’s MY 2026/24 tangerine/mandarin exports to reach 550,000 MT, about 2 percent higher than MY 2024/25 due to increased supplies while orange exports should be in line with MY2024/25 levels at 85,000 MT and lemon/lime exports at 10,000 MT.

China’s production of citrus fruit will grow modestly in marketing year (MY) 2025/26 as consumer demand continues to drive investment in the sector and weather conditions have been generally favorable. Production of mandarins/tangerines were robust in southern China due to good weather. Orange and pomelo production are both relatively flat, but with improved quality over MY 2024/25 which may improve China’s export competitiveness. Due to a shortage of Brazilian frozen orange juice concentrate in MY 2024/25, China increased its processing of domestic oranges for juice, a trend which is forecast to persist in 2025/26 despite lower global export prices.

Peru’s fresh tangerine/mandarin production and exports in MY 2025/2026 (March 2026–February 2027) are expected to remain in line with the previous year’s estimates. Production is forecast at 570,000 metric tons (MT), while exports are projected to match last year’s record level of 260,000 MT. Stable productivity, supported by a weak La Niña and below-average temperatures, is expected to have a positive impact on both production and exports. Domestic consumption of fresh tangerines/mandarins in MY 2025/2026 is forecast at 280,000 MT, same as previous year. The United States is expected to remain Peru’s top export market, accounting for about 50 percent of total exports.

Tangerine production in the Republic of Korea (ROK) for marketing year (MY) 2025/26 is poised to recover 5 percent thanks to favorable yield offsetting acreage loss. Imports of U.S. mandarins are expected to double again in MY 2025/26 as tariffs reach zero under the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (KORUS). Post forecasts MY 2025/26 orange imports down 7 percent from competition with tangerines/mandarins, especially domestic late-maturing premium tangerines and California mandarins, which are becoming increasingly price competitive and popular with consumers. Consumption of orange juice, all imported, continues to decline as consumers shy away from fruit juices toward low-sugar beverages. Texas' signature sweet red grapefruit is gaining a foothold in the Korean market after securing market access in 2024, and could help U.S. market share rebound from MY 2025/26 onward.

In marketing year (MY) 2025/26, South Africa’s production of oranges, grapefruit, tangerines/mandarins, and lemons is forecast to increase from MY 2024/25, driven by normal weather conditions and young trees reaching maturity. This growth is expected to support higher export volumes. South Africa is estimated to have exported record citrus volumes to the United States in MY 2024/25, as the industry expanded and expedited shipments ahead of the August import tariff implementation. MY 2025/26 orange juice production is forecast to decrease, as more oranges are directed toward the fresh export market.

The 2026 Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo is officially returning to Fort Myers on Aug. 12–13, 2026, at the stunning waterfront Caloosa Sound Convention Center and adjoining Luminary Hotel, located at 1375 Monroe Street in Fort Myers, Florida.

TĂĽrkiye's mandarin exports reached a record high of $614.99 million in the first 11 months of the year, marking a 61% increase and surpassing the previous annual record. This growth demonstrates a strong market demand for Turkish mandarins, suggesting an opportunity for exporters to capitalize on this trend and potentially expand their market share.

Texas grapefruit receives positive feedback in Korea, enhancing market prospects. Buyer response during a trade mission signals strong potential. Focus on taste quality to capitalize on market opening in 2024. Invest in promoting Texas grapefruit's superior flavor to expand presence in the Korean market.

Want to dive deeper in citrus? Coming in early 2026: citrodex.com

› research

Citrus transcription factor CsVOZ2 plays a crucial role in conferring resistance to Huanglongbing (HLB) caused by Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas). Overexpression of CsVOZ2 boosts immunity against CLas, while its knockdown heightens susceptibility. Understanding the role of CsVOZ2 could lead to potential strategies for managing HLB in citrus crops.

đź’ˇ Since November 2014, these daily newsletters have saved tens of thousands professionals countless hours in their daily search for relevant industry information.

 

Juice News is a one of the channels in the portfolio of ectus, operated by me, Jan van Iperen.

Access, insight, and selective introductions for ag, ingredient, and agtech leaders: ectus

ectus logo