Spain forecasts 5.7 million tons of citrus for 2026/27 season

SPAIN – Spain has forecast production of 5,744,841 tons of citrus for the 2026/27 season, which began on September 1, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food’s first estimate, based on data from the main citrus-producing autonomous communities.

The estimate reflects a 1.1% increase compared with the 2025/26 season, which recorded the lowest production in the past decade. Despite this increase, the expected harvest will still be 4.2% below the average of the last five seasons.

This season began with enough water supply, as winter and spring rains kept reservoirs at adequate levels for the crops. Additionally, spring rainfall generally did not interfere with flowering or pollination.

However, uncertainty arose during the summer, when high temperatures caused significant fruit drop, particularly in oranges and clementines, reducing initial harvest expectations.

Overall, production is expected to increase by approximately 62,552 tons compared with last season’s harvest, but it remains 253,091 tons below the five-year average.

First, orange production is forecast at 2.8 million tons, a 4.6% decrease from the previous season and a 7.4% decline relative to the average, according to the ministry.

Oranges would account for the largest share of production at 49% of total volume, with Navel group varieties accounting for 72% of oranges produced in Spain.

Second, small citrus fruit production is projected to reach 1.8 million tons, up 0.8% from last season and 4.5% below the average. Satsumas will account for 5.6% of this category, clementines 47.3%, and mandarins and hybrids together 47.1%, nearly matching clementine production.

Meanwhile, lemon production is projected to reach 991,800 tons, a 21% increase over last season and a 3% increase over the five-year average, with 76% ‘Fino’ and 23% ‘Verna’ lemons. Grapefruit production is projected to surpass 110,000 tons, marking a record high for the third consecutive year, up 4.7% from last season and 27% from the average.

Spain, the EU’s top citrus producer, ranks sixth globally, according to the ministry, and has exported nearly 3.25 million tons of citrus annually over the past five marketing years, with an average value of about €3,586 million (US$3.9 billion).

Furthermore, it leads the world in fresh citrus trade by value, accounting for roughly 25% of global exports.

Finally, on average, Spain exports 51% of its citrus production, a share that exceeds 60% for small citrus fruits and lemons and reaches 82% for grapefruit.

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