“We started working with the first Satsumas in a fairly calm market.”
The Spanish citrus harvest for the 2026/27 season has started slowly but steadily, with the picking of the first extra-early Iwasaki mandarins of the Satsuma family.
"In week 37, we began processing, in limited quantities, the first Iwasaki mandarins, which we export mainly to Northern and Eastern European countries," said José Manuel Pardo, a Valencian grower and trader.
The harvest of the earliest variety is producing a slightly higher volume than last season and is a little late due to the ongoing heat waves, which have also increased the fruit's sugar content.
European markets are currently well supplied with mandarins imported from the Southern Hemisphere. "The situation is currently very calm regarding citrus fruit sales in the fields, compared to previous years," Pardo said. "Last season, purchases were made many months in advance and at high prices, which made sales difficult. That's why the situation is much calmer this year."
Pardo emphasized that production costs have continued to rise ahead of this season, both for growers and traders. Based in Xeresa, Valencia, José Manuel Pardo SL markets all varieties of mandarins and oranges, specializing in leaf mandarins and clementines.
José Manuel Pardo José Manuel Pardo, SL La Pellería Industrial Estate, Unit 10.
