The Spanish lemon industry is expected to return to a “normal” crop next season, which is projected to be 14% below the record level in the previous campaign.

In its first assessment, Ailimpo National Association of Manufacturers predicted total production would reach 1.1 million. The group said that the forecast depended on the availability of water in the summer and rains in the autumn.

Production of the predominant Fino variety is likely to fall by 8% year on year to 845 thousand. The industry expects a fall at the end of the season, while the first part of the season will remain stable. Ailimpo stated that it takes into account the new plantings and the current size of the lemon in the assessment, which she called optimal, given the good availability of water.

She added that Fino's supply levels will enable Spain to guarantee supply programs. As for the Verna variety at the end of the season, Ailimpo expects a decline of 29% to 260 thousand tons.

"The reduction in the yield of Verna lemon, an autochthonous Spanish variety, is a consequence of the rest of the trees after a record production season," the group said.

The group added that the volumes will cover “most of the summer of 2020 with good quality fruit”. Ailimpo also expects a “good and fair price balance” and distribution of economic value throughout the chain.

She expects the Spanish lemons sector to be profitable, while maintaining commercial competitiveness against aggressive lemon shipments from competing third countries such as Turkey or Egypt. The group noted that Turkey would continue to be subject to increased pesticide control on the European border.