Salix Fruits begins 2025 citrus season amid shifting trends

EUROPE – Salix Fruits has kicked off its 2025 summer citrus programme with fresh optimism, citing a strong outlook for Southern Hemisphere exporters targeting Europe and Russia.

According to CEO Alejandro Moralejo, a combination of limited supply in Europe and steady production in countries like Argentina, Peru, and Chile is shaping a season filled with opportunities and challenges.

“After a challenging 2024, 2025 presents new dynamics in the global citrus market. As different regions complete their seasons, Northern Hemisphere producers set expectations for exporters and traders in the Southern Hemisphere,” Moralejo said during the announcement.

Spring frosts in Turkey have led to lower volumes of key citrus fruits such as lemons, mandarins, oranges, and fine fruit. These weather problems are expected to affect both the ongoing season and the start of the 2025/26 campaign.

Spain has also reported reduced Verna lemon output. Meanwhile, Moroccan mandarins finished early, and Egyptian oranges are seeing strong demand. These shifts have made Europe and Russia attractive destinations for Southern Hemisphere citrus.

Countries such as South Africa, Argentina, Peru, and Chile are now adjusting their supply chains accordingly.

“Europe is under-supplied, and that opens up room for early arrivals from the Southern Hemisphere. Our teams on the ground are ready to respond to this demand,” Moralejo added.

In contrast, the US is showing less interest in Southern Hemisphere citrus due to a high domestic yield. American growers have produced larger volumes, especially of lemons, which has reduced the need for imports.

“This season’s strong US production has shifted attention away from foreign citrus. It’s something we anticipated, so we’re directing more supply to where it’s needed most,” Moralejo explained.

Still, Salix Fruits considers the US a key market. “The US remains a priority market for us, with consistent citrus demand. Our global presence allows us to tailor supply according to regional needs,” he said.

On the production side, Argentina and Chile have bounced back with improved lemon volumes. Chile has also recorded a strong mandarin crop, though orange yields are lower. Peru is expected to increase its mandarin output, while South Africa predicts an average year.

“These production fluctuations create supply and demand opportunities, and this is where Salix Fruits’ global sourcing and sales network becomes a critical advantage for our clients,” Moralejo noted.

The company operates offices in the US, Egypt, South Africa, Argentina, Chile, Spain, India, and Asia, offering wide market access and efficient logistics.

Moralejo also pointed to an ongoing concern over unclear US tariff policies. “One of the main challenges for 2025 is uncertainty surrounding new US tariff policies, which have delayed sales programme closures and created complexities in international trade negotiations,” he said.

Despite these concerns, Salix Fruits appears well-placed to adapt to changing market conditions. With a flexible supply network and real-time updates from multiple regions, the company aims to meet demand shifts across both established and emerging citrus markets.

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