A combination of continued strong demand, smaller crop and weather will likely increase California navel orange prices.
In an alert to buyers this week Markon Cooperative BB #:123315 said, “Navel orange prices are poised to climb. Rain and strong winds affect harvesting in the San Joaquin Valley. Stocks are dominated by large sizes (48- and 56-count fruit); smaller sizes (138-count) are tight.”
The weather report shows more ran this weekend and next week, which would delay harvesting, but Markon reports its suppliers have packed ahead.
“Small sizes (113- and 138-count fruit) are diminishing as the crop matures, but remain plentiful enough to fill all orders,” the reports says, and quality is very strong.
USDA reports prices from California have already seen a bump on smaller sizes, with 7/10 bushel cartons of 138s rising from $11.63-15.65 on Jan.1 to $15.95-17.65 on Jan. 27.
However, the larger sizes have been steady with 7/10 bushel cartons of 56s at $15.63-25.65 since the beginning of December.
In other regions, Florida orange supplies will be available through May, the report says, with small sizes (125- and 100- count fruit) the most abundant.
Mexican supplies loading in South Texas should be available through July with sizing centered on 88-count.
